A community discussion about whether or not to change Columbus Day on the borough calendar to Indigenous Peoples’ Day morphed into a debate, with Italian Americans statewide and beyond weighing in. The Glen Rock Borough Council unanimously voted on Wednesday night not to remove Columbus Day.

What started as an informal discussion ballooned into a regional debate, fueled by social media and media coverage. Borough officials received 14 emails requesting the holiday be changed to Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and it was discussed at the April 24 council meeting. Agreeing to field more comments from residents, the council next met on Wednesday. This time, to an overflow crowd.