Session Update: Restoring Christopher Columbus Statue to Capitol Grounds

The Senate State Government Committee approved a bill Wednesday, March 17, that would require the Christopher Columbus statue to be returned to the Minnesota State Capitol Mall. Sponsored by Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, the measure was referred to the Senate floor for final consideration. According to Ingebrigtsen, the statue was erected in 1931, having been donated by Italian immigrants who faced discrimination when settling in the state. It was toppled during a 2020 protest by Native Americans. Senator Omar Fateh, DFL-Mpls., said returning it to the mall would be a "giant slap in the face to our native brothers and sisters."