National Statuary Hall Collection Replacement Committee; create
The resolution asserts that the statue of President Carter should be included in the National Statuary Hall Collection, and the committee will oversee the logistics of this replacement. This includes selecting a new location for the Stephens statue, appointing members to the committee from various state leadership roles, and coordinating the redesign and funding for the new statue. These actions could alter the historical representation within the National Statuary Hall Collection, shifting the narrative of Georgia's contribution to national history from Stephens to Carter.
Senate Resolution 320 (SR320) aims to establish the National Statuary Hall Collection Replacement Committee, tasked with the replacement of the statue of Alexander Hamilton Stephens in the United States Capitol with one of President Jimmy Carter. This resolution recognizes Carter's significant contributions to the state of Georgia, including his service as a state senator, governor, and president, alongside his advocacy for civil and human rights, culminating in his receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize. The bill positions this change as a fitting tribute to an illustrious Georgian.
A point of contention may arise regarding the significance of replacing one statue with another, as both figures represent different aspects of Georgia's history. While supporters may argue for Carter's more contemporary and human rights-focused legacy as appropriate for representation, opponents might point to Stephens' historical significance—especially considering his role in Confederate history. The decision to replace figures in the hall can evoke strong opinions regarding historical representation, state's legacy, and how it reflects contemporary values.