City of Pittsburgh reviewing judge’s ruling on Christopher Columbus statue
A spokesperson for the City of Pittsburgh told Channel 11 that leaders are reviewing options for the future of Schenley Park’s Christopher Columbus statue after a judge recently ruled that the city has the legal right to remove it.
The opinion, issued by Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Judge John T. McVay Jr., comes following a two-year legal saga surrounding the controversial monument.
The debate began in 2020, when the city’s art commission voted to remove the statue in response to community pressure. A petition was presented to city leaders, claiming that Columbus’ legacy should be rebuked rather than celebrated.
“He stands for violence and the worst of humanity,” a local student told Channel 11 on Tuesday.
In October 2020, the Italian Sons and Daughters of America filed an emergency motion to block the city from removing the statue, which rests on city-owned land.
George Bochetto, the organization’s attorney, told Channel 11 that there is widespread misinformation on Columbus’ legacy and celebration surrounding it.
“It’s much more of a symbol of Italian-American achievement, than it is just simply a memorialization of Christopher Columbus’ achievements,” the attorney said.
Bochetto told Channel 11 that the group plans to appeal the judge’s opinion.
“We’re deeply disappointed in the judge’s ruling. I have a lot of respect for this judge. He’s a very good man,” Bochetto said. “But he got it wrong.”
The judge’s 21-page opinion concludes by stating he encourages “all parties to continue to meet and discuss final resolution and a future agreeable location.”
The opinion adds “nothing in this memorandum precludes the parties from working together to find resolution along the lines of a history center, museum, or some private property location that attempts to present all historical perspectives.”
Bochetto said he would like to sit down with the mayor and work out a resolution.
A spokesperson for the mayor’s office told Channel 11 that they are reviewing the opinion and looking at options. The city hopes to have an outcome “firmed up soon,” with no immediate steps being taken at this time.
TRENDING NOW:
Man who died after falling from escalator at Acrisure Stadium identified Police seek info after Harmony businessman goes missing, is considered to be endangered Kim Kardashian, charged with unlawfully touting crypto, to pay $1.26 million VIDEO: 1 person hospitalized in critical condition after shooting in Knoxville neighborhood DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
