The City Council is scheduled to reignite the debate on the Christopher Columbus statue Tuesday night, as District 4 Councilor Sarai Rivera is requesting the city manager organize a “diverse community discussion to determine the best course of action for removing the Christopher Columbus statue from any public space.”

“It is a very hurtful and oppressive symbol that should not be in a public space,” Rivera said in an interview Sunday. The Columbus statue in Worcester was erected in 1978, donated to the city by attorney Nunziato Fusaro in memory of his wife, Esther. It is located in Washington Square, outside of Union Station.