Amid the ongoing protests over the death of George Floyd, controversial statues across the country have been defaced, vandalized and even removed, including those of Christopher Columbus. In some states, such as New York, New Jersey and Missouri, there are calls for statues of the 15th-century explorer to be removed.

The removal of these Columbus statues presents a conundrum for Italian Americans, many of whom believe they should remain standing, as they serve as a symbol of their heritage and their contributions to the country. While some protesters in various parts of the country have defaced, beheaded or removed Columbus statues, some Italian Americans, including New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, have suggested they should remain in place.