The Columbus statue is the center of controversy amid protests across the country demanding statues that represent discrimination or racism be taken down. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh says he’s been having conversations with the community to determine the future of the statue.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that the status quo at Columbus Circle today is not acceptable,” said Mayor Walsh.

In the midst of the circulation of an online petition with more than 13,000 signatures to take down the Columbus statue, Walsh said it’s an issue he’s been thinking about it since he entered office. 

“The moment that we are in as a city, and as a country, has given us an opportunity to accelerate the process, and that’s a good thing,” said Walsh.

In 2018 and 2019, Walsh had conversations with Interfaith Works, members of the Onondaga Nation, and Italian Americans to address concerns around Christopher Columbus and the message his statue represents. 

Now, with that same group of people, a Columbus Circle Action Group will work to recommend ways to address those concerns. 

“To tear down the statue is easy, it’s a symbol, like a lot of the symbols we’ve been talking about," said Walsh. "Educating and healing a community, that’s the hard work, and that’s what we need to be focused on."

Among some ideas is to build a comprehensive and educational learning site around the statue.

Walsh says before a decision to take it down, he needs to assess the implications.

“I want a site that tells the story of indigenous people, the horrors of colonialism, the oppression experienced at multiple points in our history, and the Onondaga land on which we stand in our honored place as the birthplace of democracy,” said Walsh.

A rally to remove the statue will be held Saturday evening.

Walsh says he’s talked with the organizers of that protest and respects their opinion.