Eric Maroney, of New Haven, an Italian-American, expressed his views with a sign as a statue of Christopher Columbus is prepared for removal in Wooster Square Park in New Haven, June 24, 2020. Cloe Poisson / CTMirror.org
The city removed the statue in recognition of its representation of colonialism that many find offensive in light of heightened tension over racial injustices. “I understand why people are upset,” he said. “I don’t see this as a symbol that represents my culture.”