Should Idaho Schools Phase Out Observing Columbus Day Altogether?

In about one month, some Idaho schools will be giving students the day off to observe Christopher Columbus' arrival to the Americas in 1492, and others will be ignoring the day altogether. The holiday has been either outlawed or altered to honor Indigenous people by most states and yet some Idaho schools still completely shut down for the day.

Is it time Idaho devotes the second Monday of every October solely to celebrating Indigenous persons and begins ignoring all evidence of Christopher Columbus' alleged heroism and bravery?

Growing up, every school I attended gave us Columbus Day off for his reported contributions to global navigation. I was taught he was a hero basically through high school, and in some people's eyes, he still is.

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Older history resources credit Columbus with discovering America, but we know that's not entirely accurate. Because he had the resources and financial backing, he was able to sail for years, map trade routes, and report his findings to heads of countries, and these facts are what resulted in his persona as the sole discoverer of the Americas.

Regardless of how people feel about the man, Columbus Day is still being observed by at least 16 states, according to data from The Pew Research Center. Parades still take place annually in Columbus' honor, and schools in Idaho like Priest River Lamanna still suspend classes. I did notice that the Twin Falls School District doesn't mention Columbus or Indigenous Persons Day on their October academic calendar, nor do some other southern Idaho schools.

Is it time Idaho devotes the second Monday of every October solely to celebrating Indigenous persons and begins ignoring all evidence of Christopher Columbus' alleged heroism and bravery?