Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie Introduces
Legislation to Create a Commission to Review Names of District
Memorials and Places
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Legislation
Creates a Commission to Review Controversial Monuments, Markers,
and Symbols, including Statues, Street Names, and School Names in
the District of Columbia
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Washington, D.C. -- Yesterday,
Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie, Chair Pro Tempore and Chair of
the Committee on Business and Economic Development introduced the Advisory Commission on
Monuments, Markers, and Symbols Establishment Act of 2019.
This legislation directs the mayor to establish an advisory
commission to make recommendations regarding controversial
monuments, markers, and symbols, such as statues, street names, and
school names, that are seen as oppressive and inconsistent with
District of Columbia values. After consulting experts and engaging
the residents of the District of Columbia, the Commission will
submit a report containing its recommendations to the Council and
Mayor.
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This legislation builds on Councilmember McDuffie’s
recent call to change the name of his alma mater, Woodrow Wilson
High School, and the community-led effort to rename what is now
known as Lawrence E. Boone Elementary School (formerly Benjamin Orr
Elementary) in Ward 8.
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With introduction, Councilmember
McDuffie said:
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"A symbol or monument can be
benign to one person and be deeply offensive to another. The
advisory commission established in this legislation will review our
symbols and monuments in a thorough and thoughtful way, that will
allow all District residents to enjoy our public spaces."
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