As a child, Miguel Sague III often walked by the Christopher Columbus statue near Phipps Conservatory and wondered why a man who killed his ancestors had a monument. Sague, who was born and raised in Pittsburgh, is a member of the Taíno people — the first Indigenous group that Christopher Columbus encountered on his expedition in 1492.

Current American history education is inadequate and neglects the negative consequences of the actions of historical figures. On Columbus Day, it's important to recognize that our teaching of Columbus' past needs to include a full description of his actions, both positive and negative.

Pitt students undoubtedly enjoyed yesterday’s day off — officially the University’s designated fall break. Unofficially, however, the day’s status as Columbus Day has long created more controversy...