Harvard has joined other towns in Massachusetts in renaming Columbus Day. The traditional fall holiday, which falls on Oct. 10 this year, will from now on be known as Indigenous Peoples Day.
The change was enacted by the unanimous vote of the Select Board Tuesday night. Vice Chair Erin McBee had expressed reservations when the proposal first came before the board In June, but this week said she had none and endorsed the change.
The name change had the support of the School Committee and Arm in Arm, the community group that promotes diversity, inclusion, and cultural education in Harvard. A nonbinding citizen petition calling for the name change passed by majority vote at Town Meeting in May.
Effective immediately, the name Indigenous Peoples Day will replace Columbus Day on all future town documents, including Harvard’s official holiday schedule.
