Randolph Schools Could Return Columbus Day To Calendar

RANDOLPH, NJ — After changing a label on the school calendar and then opting for no holiday names at all, the Randolph Board of Education may change course on its Columbus Day expedition. The board will hold a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the middle-school auditorium.

The meeting agenda has one motion for consideration. If passed, the board would return the school calendar to its status from before May 13's board meeting. The action would return Columbus Day to the school calendar.

Last month, the board followed a recommendation from its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ad Hoc Committee to change Columbus Day to Indigenous People's Day on the school calendar. The board faced backlash and protest from critics and Italian-American groups, who say the holiday recognizes their shared heritage.

The board changed course Thursday and instead opted to recognize all holidays originally on the school calendar as "days off." But they continue to face criticism that's spanned from residents to Italian-American groups to national media. Read more: Amid Columbus Dispute, Randolph Schools Take Names Off Holidays

During Monday's meeting, community members will be able to speak during public session. Read the meeting agenda here.