A towering Christopher Columbus statue in Worcester has again proven to be one of the most potent political forces in the city, dividing the city council and driving hostility between local ethnic communities.

The Worcester City Council Tuesday voted against having a discussion about the removal of the Washington Square monument, which stands outside Union Station. District 4 Councilor Sarai Rivera sought to convene a community discussion on the statue, citing the legacy of Columbus' role in the slaughter of indigenous people in the Caribbean.