COLUMBUS (WCMH) — Columbus State Community College has removed the statue of Christopher Columbus.
In disassembling the statue, Columbus State says it has committed to:
- Ensuring the structure is removed in a manner so that it can be reassembled in another location if and when desired by a future curator.
- Completely and carefully removing graffiti from the statue after it is disassembled.
- Packing the sections of the statue for safe transport and storage at this time and to ensure its safe relocation to any future location.
The plan to remove the statue on campus was originally announced Tuesday.
“The removal of the Christopher Columbus statue is a symbolic gesture of our commitment to our College and in our community to continue and accelerate the fight against systemic racism,” said Columbus State President David Harrison. “Recent events, including the senseless deaths of African-Americans and the resulting anguish across the nation, compelled us to act on a years-long internal dialogue about the statue and the message it sends in our community. This inflection point will inform College policy and action both now and for years to come.”
All removal and storage costs for the statue have been funded by private donors, according to the college.
On Thursday, Mayor Andrew Ginther announced he would be having the Christopher Columbus statue outside City Hall removed.