Columbus Parks and Recreation department is being sued by an Italian American after accusations that the city is demonstrating hostility toward its namesake. The lawsuit is based on a single park, Christopher Columbus Square, which was renamed Warren Square after a petition from the Italian Village Society.

Now, some Italian Americans say its part of an ongoing effort to erase his influence, and say the name change violates the city’s own rules. John Cardi said he stands for Italian people and Christopher Columbus. Cardi said he “absolutely” recognizes Columbus was a flawed figure, but he feels Italian community members were disregarded in the renaming.