The Italian American Civil Rights League (IACRL) is urging Governor Tim Walz to resign as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate.
According to the Washington Examiner, the call comes amid allegations of racism against Walz, primarily due to his response during the 2020 George Floyd protests when a Christopher Columbus statue was destroyed.
Mike Crispi, a board member of the IACRL and a Trump delegate, has been vocal in his criticism of Governor Walz. He accused Walz of failing to protect the Columbus statue, a significant symbol of Italian American pride. "Tim Walz did nothing to stop radical vandals from targeting the most prominent symbol of Italian-American culture," Crispi stated.
The statue in question was torn down during the unrest following George Floyd's death. While Governor Walz acknowledged that there would be consequences, he also expressed an understanding of the protesters' grievances. This stance, however, did not sit well with Crispi.
Crispi labeled Walz's tenure as governor as one of disgrace, citing the 2020 riots as an example of his failed leadership. He claimed that Walz and his administration had advance knowledge of the plans to destroy the statue but chose not to intervene.
In supportive quotes, Crispi's critique was direct and harsh. "He knew they were coming and he did nothing to protect the statue," he emphasized, pointing to what he believes is a pattern of indifference and collusion with anti-Italian American sympathizers.
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan was also brought into the fray. She had expressed her disdain for the legacy of Columbus, which fueled further consternation among the IACRL.
Christopher Columbus, who is of Genoese origin, serves as a figure of Italian American pride. Particularly, Columbus Day, celebrated since 1892 and recognized as a federal holiday in 1971, honors this heritage. The destruction of the statue, therefore, struck a deep personal and cultural chord.
During the debate surrounding the preservation of the statue, Flanagan stated, "There is no honor in the legacy of Christopher Columbus," a sentiment that resonated negatively with the Italian American community.
State Republicans backed the IACRL’s criticisms, asserting that the governor's office had prior knowledge of the intent to dismantle the statue. They opposed the perceived inaction by the administration, further straining ties.
Governor Walz's actions during the 2020 protests are being scrutinized again due to his recent selection as Harris's running mate. This development has reignited old wounds and political discord.
After the Columbus statue was destroyed, Walz commented on the possibility of repercussions. However, he simultaneously expressed empathy for the demonstrators' frustrations.
To summarize, the IACRL has condemned Governor Tim Walz's inaction during the 2020 George Floyd protests, particularly his response to the fall of a Christopher Columbus statue. The resulting call for Walz to step down as Kamala Harris's running mate highlights ongoing racial tensions and the cultural sensitivity surrounding Italian American heritage.
