Some other area schools have changed Columbus Day to Indigenous Day, and now it is Williamsville's turn to tackle the topic. The school board has put the name change on the agenda for a vote next month, but at least four of the nine board members have signaled their opposition to the proposal. No matter how the vote goes, some board members are treating it is a teaching moment.
Board members agreed the proposal had sparked a spirit of inquiry among students and the important thing was to validate other cultures. "Changing a name doesn't change history," said Dr. Patricia Losito. "I think the biggest part of this is education. It's difficult to shove 21st century values and morals into 14th century."
