Modest Proposal for Purification of California History

Just in time for Columbus Day, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation making Native American Day a paid state holiday, subject to legislative funding. The September 25 signing of AB 1841 is part of California’s ongoing effort to “reckon with its colonial past,” a project already undertaken by Los Angeles and San Francisco, both of which replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The state’s Department of Education, apparently reluctant to choose sides, encourages schools to recognize both holidays on October 12.

This is plainly inadequate.

About the Author

Will Swaim

Will Swaim is the CEO of the California Policy Center and, with David L. Bahnsen, a co-host of National Review’s Radio Free California podcast.

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Just in time for Columbus Day, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation making Native American Day a paid state holiday, subject to legislative funding. The September 25 signing of AB 1841 is part of California’s ongoing effort to “reckon with its colonial past,” a project already undertaken by Los Angeles and San Francisco, both of which replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The state’s Department of Education, apparently reluctant to choose sides, encourages schools to recognize both holidays on October 12.

This is plainly inadequate.