Texas House Bill HCR55

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Directing the State Preservation Board to initiate steps to provide for the replacement of the Children of the Confederacy plaque with a plaque to honor victims of the state's convict leasing system.

Impact

The resolution aims to provide a more accurate historical narrative that includes the often-overlooked suffering of convicts leveraged as laborers in a system that echoed slavery. By memorializing the victims of the convict leasing system, the new plaque would serve to educate the public and visitors to the Capitol, ensuring that these painful chapters of history are recognized and remembered. The impact extends to state laws on public memorials and historical recognition, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and reevaluation of existing monuments.

Summary

HCR55 is a concurrent resolution that directs the State Preservation Board of Texas to replace the Children of the Confederacy plaque at the Capitol with a new plaque honoring the victims of the state's convict leasing system. This system, which operated in Texas from the late 19th century until its official end in 1910, allowed the state to lease prisoners to private businesses under horrific conditions. This bill seeks to acknowledge the injustices faced by these individuals and highlight their contributions to Texas's history, particularly in the construction of significant state buildings like the Capitol.

Contention

Discussions regarding HCR55 may involve various viewpoints, particularly around the sensitive nature of historical representation. Some may argue that replacing the Children of the Confederacy plaque with one that highlights the convict leasing system is essential for acknowledging historical injustices. In contrast, opponents could raise concerns about the implications of altering historical memorials, claiming it might disrupt existing narratives or legacy issues related to commemorating the Confederacy in Texas. Such polarization reflects broader societal debates on historical memory and representation.