A Springfield-based Italian American group is asking its members not to travel to or spend money in Chicago "until there is a satisfactory resolution addressing the taking down" of the city’s Christopher Columbus statues. The Roman Cultural Society of Central Illinois unanimously adopted the resolution earlier this week.

It also made a financial contribution to the The National Columbus Education Foundation, a new consortium of Italian American groups seeking to protect Columbus Day and preserve the Italian explorer’s legacy in the wake of recent controversy. "We're not trying to take anything away from anybody else," said Tony Leone, a Roman Cultural Society member who is spearheading the effort.