Pedestals in two Chicago parks that once held up statues of Christopher Columbus have stood empty since last week. Mayor Lori Lightfoot ordered their temporary removal following protests that turned violent. Now, activists are hoping to make their removal permanent. 

The mayor’s action has been condemned by some as capitulation to mob rule, but the debate over what place monuments like these should have in the city is ongoing. Heather Miller, executive director of the American Indian Center in Albany Park, explained in a statement why the organization is calling for the statues’ permanent removal.