Law Students Stage Trial of Columbus

In a mock trial sponsored by the Black Law Students Association yesterday, Christopher Columbus faced charges of "exploitation, racism, genocide, greed, pure exploitation and more exploitation."

On the eve of the quincentennial of Columbus' voyage across the Atlantic, the law students wanted to present an alternative view of Columbus, according to Jonathan V. Newton, a second-year law student who organized the event.

There was no ruling in Black Law Students Association v. Christopher Columbus, which took place before a 60-person "jury." But the mock trial took the Genoese explorer to task for his ethnocentrism and brutality.

The trial's first witness, first-year law student Tanya Green, said she spoke for native American who were victimized by Columbus and his followers. Greenaccused him of countless atrocities, including"some of the most heinous forms of slavery."

"They murdered and raped and mutilated andbrought diseases ... They decimated ourpopulation," Green said.

Green characterized the celebration ofColumbus' voyage as "a celebration of theannihilation of an entire people." She said thatinstead of celebrating Columbus' voyage, peopleshould learn about and respect other cultures.

Third-year law student, Brian Glasser, whotestified as Columbus, said that the explorersought only to convert the Native American peopleto Christianity.

The second witness for the prosecution,third-year Andrea Phillips, said she was speakingfor Black slaves. She criticized ChristopherColumbus for suggesting to the Spanish monarchythat they enslave Native Americans

"They murdered and raped and mutilated andbrought diseases ... They decimated ourpopulation," Green said.

Green characterized the celebration ofColumbus' voyage as "a celebration of theannihilation of an entire people." She said thatinstead of celebrating Columbus' voyage, peopleshould learn about and respect other cultures.

Third-year law student, Brian Glasser, whotestified as Columbus, said that the explorersought only to convert the Native American peopleto Christianity.

The second witness for the prosecution,third-year Andrea Phillips, said she was speakingfor Black slaves. She criticized ChristopherColumbus for suggesting to the Spanish monarchythat they enslave Native Americans