Connecticut school district's vote to hold classes on Veterans Day, Columbus Day ignites controversy

A Stamford, Connecticut school board ignited a "calendar controversy" after voting to remove the Veterans Day and Columbus Day holidays, meaning students are expected to attend class on those dates for the next two years, local outlets reported.

According to WABC, an ABC affiliate based in New York City, one board member cited the length of the 181-day school year that would last into mid-June, arguing that the schedule is too long, but the decision to cut the holidays spawned responses from veterans and others who were outraged.

Alfred Fusco, a veteran and founding member of Stamford's chapter of the Italian-American service organization UNICO, told the outlet the move was a "gut punch" to him, adding, "It was terrible. It had no inclination."