Italian American Groups Sue City of Columbus to Restore Christopher Columbus Statue
A coalition of Italian American organizations has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Columbus, Mayor Andrew Ginther and various federal agencies, demanding the return of the historic Christopher Columbus statue to its original location. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, argues that the 2020 removal of the monument from City Hall was illegal, discriminatory, and a breach of binding agreements.
The plaintiffs are seeking a court order to reinstall the statue on the Broad Street side of City Hall, where it stood for decades before being placed in storage.
The Legal Arguments: Discrimination and Due Process
The 28-page lawsuit, filed by attorney George Bochetto, contends that the city violated multiple legal frameworks in its decision to remove the monument. The plaintiffs argue that the city breached the Ohio Constitution by discriminating against the Italian American community, describing the community as having been “singled out as a public whipping boy.”
Beyond state claims, the lawsuit alleges violations of:
- The United States Constitution
- The Columbus city charter
- The National Historic Preservation Act
A central point of the legal challenge is the process of removal. According to the lawsuit, the statue was uprooted without a public hearing or a City Council vote, which the plaintiffs claim constitutes a lack of proper authority and due process.
History of the Monument
The statue is a large bronze work cast by renowned Italian sculptor Edoardo Alfieri in Genoa, Italy. Gifted to the city by the people of Genoa in 1955, it was unveiled before a crowd of 100,000 people. The lawsuit emphasizes that the statue was donated with the “express understanding and requirement” that it be displayed prominently outside City Hall forever, serving as a testament to the bond between Genoa, and Columbus.
The monument is viewed by the plaintiffs as an essential element of the Sister Cities Agreement between the two cities, unifying them through the depiction of the Genovese explorer who serves as the namesake for the Ohio capital.
The 2020 Removal and City Justification
Mayor Andrew Ginther ordered the removal of the statue in 2020 amid civil unrest. At the time, Ginther stated that the monument did not represent the city’s values, asserting that it symbolized patriarchy, oppression, and divisiveness. He specifically cited concerns from Indigenous communities who viewed the statue as a symbol of cultural loss and violence.
Since its removal, the statue has remained in an undisclosed storage location. While a design firm hired by the city previously recommended placing the statue in a park that reflects the city’s heritage, the plaintiffs insist on its return to City Hall.
Community Impact and Perspectives
The lawsuit highlights the emotional and cultural distress the statue’s absence has caused within central Ohio’s Italian American community. Basil Russo, President of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO), noted that the legacy of Columbus Day is tied to the acceptance of Italian Americans, specifically referencing the 1891 New Orleans lynching of 11 Italian immigrants as a catalyst for the holiday’s national importance.
The group of plaintiffs includes several prominent organizations:
- The Columbus Piave Club
- Friends of Christopher Columbus Foundation (FOCCF)
- Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO)
- The Abruzzi Club
- The Order Of The Sons & Daughters Of Italy
- The Columbus Italian Heritage Foundation
- The Columbus Italian Club
The Columbus City Attorney’s Office has stated it is currently reviewing the lawsuit and has declined to provide further comment.
Key Takeaways
- The Goal: Reinstallation of the Christopher Columbus statue at the Broad Street side of Columbus City Hall.
- The Legal Basis: Claims of discrimination, breach of donation agreements, and violations of the US and Ohio Constitutions.
- The History: A bronze statue gifted by Genoa, Italy, in 1955 and sculpted by Edoardo Alfieri.
- The Conflict: A clash between the city’s view of the statue as a symbol of oppression and the Italian American community’s view of it as a symbol of heritage and diplomacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the statue removed in 2020?
Mayor Andrew Ginther ordered the removal during civil unrest, stating the statue represented oppression and divisiveness and did not align with the city’s values or the concerns of Indigenous communities.
Where is the statue now?
The statue is currently being held in an unknown storage location.
Who is suing the City of Columbus?
A coalition of Italian American organizations, including the Columbus Piave Club, the Friends of Christopher Columbus Foundation, and the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations, among others.
What is the city’s response to the lawsuit?
The Columbus City Attorney’s Office is reviewing the filing but has not yet issued a formal comment.