Bill > S2970

Introduced Session

This bill would replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day to honor New Jersey's indigenous heritage and to foster a greater sense of inclusiveness towards indigenous people. The legacy of Christopher Columbus has become more controversial as his harsh treatment of indigenous people has become more widely known. An increasing number of Americans have come to recognize Columbus's journeys into the New World as the beginning of an era of European colonization and conquest. In response, many states and municipalities have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day to bring greater attention to the plight of indigenous people and to celebrate indigenous cultures. Although two municipalities in New Jersey recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day, Columbus Day remains a public holiday. This bill would amend the list of paid holidays granted to State employees, the list of holidays for which schools are required to conduct patriotic activities, and the list of recognized legal holidays, to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day. By setting aside a day to celebrate the history and culture of indigenous people, we can begin the long overdue process of acknowledging an overlooked and underappreciated part of our State's population.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Brian Stack (D)*, 

Withdrawn from Consideration (on 10/08/2020)