Calling on the Senate to remove the name of Richard B. Russell from the Russell Senate Office Building.
Summary
House Resolution 646 urges the Senate to remove Richard B. Russell's name from the Russell Senate Office Building. The resolution cites Russell's opposition to civil rights and his support for white supremacy as reasons for the name removal. It references his involvement in filibustering anti-lynching bills and his authorship of the Southern Manifesto.
Expected Effects
If passed by the Senate, the Russell Senate Office Building would revert to its original name, the Old Senate Office Building. This could lead to a reevaluation of other memorials and symbols associated with figures who held similar views. The resolution also serves as a symbolic condemnation of white supremacy and a reaffirmation of equality.
Potential Benefits
- Symbolic rejection of white supremacy and racism.
- Potential for a more inclusive and representative historical narrative in public spaces.
- Reinforcement of the values of equality and justice.
- Opportunity to honor an individual who better reflects contemporary values.
- Could encourage similar reevaluations of other historical figures and symbols.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for alienating some individuals who view the name removal as an erasure of history.
- Risk of escalating culture wars and political polarization.
- Possible backlash from those who believe in preserving historical monuments regardless of the figures' controversial views.
- Could be seen as a symbolic gesture without addressing underlying systemic issues.
- May set a precedent for removing names from other buildings and institutions, leading to further controversy.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the spirit of the Constitution's commitment to equality and justice, particularly as interpreted through the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. While the Constitution does not explicitly address the naming of buildings, the resolution's rejection of white supremacy aligns with constitutional principles of equality. The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, but does not necessarily protect the endorsement of views contrary to the Constitution's commitment to equality.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).