Protesters gathered at Columbus Circle today to call on the city to put Columbus Day back on the school calendar.

They say the Department of Education’s decision to remove Columbus Day from its school academic calendar is a slap in the face to all Italians, Italian Americans and city students who identify with their Italian heritage.

Protesters say the city is being influenced by the cancel generation and social media.

They say combining Italian Heritage Day with Indigenous People’s Day is an insult to both groups and does not promote diversity.

Columbus Day has come under scrutiny in recent years with cities and states around the United States renaming the day to honor indigenous populations.

It will remain as a state holiday.