The National Italian American Foundation lists Columbus monuments nationwide.

The National Columbus Celebration Association celebrates his historic achievement and his values, which it lists as faith, the courage of his convictions, dedication to purpose, perseverance in effort, professional excellence, and boldness in facing the unknown. It posts articles about the explorer. It’s based in Washington, D.C., where it sponsors celebrations.

Carolyn Chen is an associate professor in the ethnic studies department at the University of California, Berkeley, whose research interests include religion, ethnicity, immigration and sociology of work.

Dona De Sanctis resigned in 2007 from deputy executive director of the Order Sons of Italy in America, which does not support changing the name of the federal holiday. She is editor-in-chief of Italian America magazine and researches Italian American history and achievements.

Robert Royal serves as president of the Faith & Reason Institute and editor-in-chief of The Catholic Thing. His books include 1492 and All That: Political Manipulations of History and Reinventing the American People: Unity and Diversity Today.

James W. Loewen was a visiting professor of sociology at Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., and the author of several books, including The Truth About Columbus (New York: The New Press, 1992).

Paul Martin Lester is professor of communications at California State University-Fullerton. See a 1993 essay he published in Visual Anthropology about why Columbus should not be honored.

Bernard McGinn is Naomi Shenstone Donnelley Professor Emeritus of Historical Theology and of the History of Christianity in the Divinity School and the Committees on Medieval Studies and on General Studies. Read his thoughts about how Columbus was on an apocalyptic mission, from the PBS show Frontline.

The Indigenous Peoples Day Committee is based in Berkeley, Calif. Contact committee coordinator Rochelle Hays.