There is a renewed call to rename a school in New Haven.
Activists tell us a school named after Christopher Columbus is an insult for many immigrants.
Dozens took to the streets in New Haven and marched to the Christopher Columbus Family Academy in Fair Haven on Sunday.
They believe the name is in insult to Latin Americans.
“It’s not right the name of this school, named after a killer,” Wendy Barrera, of New Haven, said.
Barrera brought her kids to the rally.
“So they know the real history, like no lies,” Barrera said.
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The school on Blatchley Avenue offers kindergarten through eighth grade where student learn in both English and Spanish.
But its namesake is controversial with some blaming Columbus’ arrival in 1492 for leading to the death of many Latin Americans.
“There is a large percentage of immigrants in New Haven that come from indigenous communities,” Marco Castillo of the Network of Transnational Peoples said.
That’s why on this Indigenous Peoples Day, the group is demanding the school’s name be changed.
“We would like to see here a school name after some of the leaders that represent our community,” Castillo said.
While everyone might not be in favor of renaming the school, activists say they are ready to fight to change minds.
We reached out to the school district for comment but have not yet heard back. Last year, the school board told us it was an issue worth reviewing.
