Stamford School District Removes Columbus Day and Veterans Day from Calendar

Decision sparks backlash from veterans and Italian-American communities, school district defends move citing educational benefits.

Stamford, Connecticut public schools will no longer observe Columbus Day and Veterans Day as holidays, following a 5-3 vote by the Board of Education.
The decision has sparked backlash from veterans and Italian-American communities, with some calling it a 'gut punch'.
Board member Joshua Esses, who proposed the removal of the holidays, argued that the 181-day school year was too long and that the holidays could be incorporated into the school curriculum.
Other board members disagreed on the portrayal of Columbus, with some arguing that celebrating Columbus Day sends a mixed message to students who learn about the controversial history of Columbus in class.
Despite the controversy, the school district defended its decision, noting that other districts in the state already keep schools open on the two holidays and that suitable educational programs will be developed to observe these days.