Hawaii Senate Bill SCR59

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/22
• Refer: 3/11/22

Caption

Urging The Board Of Education And Department Of Education To Change The Name Of President William Mckinley High School Back To Honolulu High School And Remove The Statue Of President Mckinley From The School Premises.

Impact

If implemented, SCR59 would signify a notable shift in how educational institutions in Hawaii engage with their historical narratives and affiliations. By restoring the school's original name, the resolution aims to honor the pre-colonial heritage of Hawaii and acknowledge the sociopolitical context surrounding the annexation. The resolution also seeks to promote educational curricula that are inclusive of the historical struggles faced by Hawaii's indigenous communities, thereby encouraging a broader understanding of racial equity and justice in the educational system.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 59 (SCR59) urges the Board of Education and the Department of Education in Hawaii to change the name of President William McKinley High School back to its original name, Honolulu High School, and to remove the statue of President McKinley from the school premises. This resolution is rooted in a critical examination of Hawaii's colonial history and reflects a growing movement to reassess names and symbols that perpetuate historical injustices towards Native Hawaiians. The legislation cites McKinley's role in the annexation of Hawaii and the subsequent cultural and political oppression faced by native populations as key justifications for this change.

Contention

However, the resolution may face criticism from those who argue that the renaming effort could erase historical significance associated with President McKinley. Supporters of the resolution contend that maintaining symbols of colonial oppression in public spaces continues to perpetuate trauma among Native Hawaiians. The conversation around SCR59 is indicative of larger societal questions regarding how history is remembered and taught, and it encapsulates ongoing tensions within the community regarding cultural representation and acknowledgment of past injustices. Ultimately, the measure reflects a broader legislative trend towards remaking state narratives to be more inclusive and equitable.