A divisive national debate about public statues of historical figures has reached New London. A group led by local conservative talk show host Lori Hopkins-Cavanagh is seeking protection of the Christopher Columbus statue off Bank Street despite the fact city officials said there have been no serious calls for its removal.

Hopkins-Cavanagh organized what she called a “Stand for Columbus” event on Monday, hosting a get-together at her home and issuing a demand that the city not only appraise and “legally protect” the statue but also restore Columbus Day to the school calendar.