Indiana town renames Good Friday, Columbus Day for 'cultural sensitivity'

Brooke Kavit

Officials in Bloomington, Indiana have announced that the city is changing the names of two paid holidays to "better reflect cultural sensitivity in the workplace."

According to the Herald-Times, Mayor John Hamilton sent a memo to staff on Friday informing them that, going forward, Columbus Day will be called "Fall Holiday" and Good Friday will be referred to as "Spring Holiday."

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In the message, he reportedly stated, "We are terrifically proud of our diverse workforce at the city. That diversity makes us stronger and more representative of the public we proudly serve. These updated names for two days of well-merited time off is another way we can demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity."

The move has been applauded by some on social media, but critics claim it is "politically correct" and "blasphemous."

Other Twitter users have been more specific in their complaints, with some questioning why Columbus Day even exists while others argue the change to Good Friday is "disrespectful to Christians."

Related: Learn more about Spain's dance of Death on Good Friday:

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