Asks Joint Committee on Library of Congress to approve replacing NJ statues of Richard Stockton and Philip Kearny in National Statuary Hall Collection with statues of Harriet Tubman and Alice Paul.
If enacted, A2828 would require that the New Jersey Department of State formally request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve this replacement. This legislation is framed within the context of existing federal laws that allow states to update their contributions to this significant collection. It reflects a broader commitment to inclusivity by advocating for a representation that emphasizes the achievements of important female figures in America's history alongside well-regarded male figures. The successful passage of this bill would shift the historical portrayal of New Jersey's contribution to the national narrative.
Bill A2828, introduced in the New Jersey legislature, proposes the replacement of the state’s statues of Richard Stockton and Philip Kearny in the National Statuary Hall Collection with new statues of Harriet Tubman and Alice Paul. This move aims to honor the significant historical contributions and legacies of these remarkable women in the context of civil rights and suffrage, emphasizing their impact in New Jersey and beyond. The bill is designed to highlight the importance of recognizing diverse historical figures in state representations on a national level.
The bill establishes a temporary bipartisan committee tasked with selecting the sculptors and determining the funding for creating and transporting the new statues. While the intent is generally supported, contention may arise around aspects such as the representation of historical figures and the costs associated with the project. Critics may question the decision to prioritize Tubman and Paul over the current figures, Stockton and Kearny, who also have significant historical importance, thus suggesting potential debates about the criteria for selecting representatives in the National Statuary Hall.