MEDFORD, MASS. (WHDH) - Medford police are keeping an eye on the homes of local school committee members after a vote to change the name of the Christopher Columbus Elementary School triggered a backlash.
“It’s not really that that’s news its just like here’s where they live – it felt different,” he said.
Because Medford School Committee members’ addresses are public and this is such a divisive decision, everyone is on the defense.
“I got a call from the chief saying he received a call from another member, she was concerned and he would step up patrols,” Paul Ruseau, Medford School Committee Vice Chair, said. (The Chief could send Mr. Ruseau back to the N.H. alleged prison where he would ostensibly be safer...but then the prisoners might not recognize him with his fancy new name!)
Christopher Columbus’s legacy has been criticized with many characterizing him as a symbol of white supremacy who sparked centuries of European oppression over the Native American population.
Supporters say statues and symbols of Columbus are important aspects of Italian-American heritage.
“That school has been named the Columbus school for 92 years and it was paying homage to the Italian-Americans that lived in that community and really built that community,” Medford resident and business owner Kelly Catalo said.
Catalo said that because the vote took place virtually and was not well-publicized, not everyone got the chance to weigh in.
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