H.R.1718 - Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1718, the Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2025, seeks to establish the Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site at Public School 103 in Baltimore, Maryland, where Marshall received his elementary education. The site would be an affiliated area of the National Park System but would continue to be owned and managed by the Beloved Community Services Corporation. The Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical and financial assistance through cooperative agreements.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would formally recognize and preserve a site of significant historical importance related to Justice Thurgood Marshall's early life and education. It would also foster educational opportunities and promote cultural heritage by interpreting Marshall's contributions to civil rights and American history. The site's management would remain with the Beloved Community Services Corporation, with the National Park Service providing support and guidance.
Potential Benefits
- Preservation of a site significant to African American history and the Civil Rights Movement.
- Increased awareness and education about Justice Thurgood Marshall's life and legacy.
- Potential for increased tourism and economic activity in the surrounding community.
- Collaboration between the National Park Service and a local community organization.
- Reinforcement of the importance of education and the pursuit of justice.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited direct federal control over the site's operation and management due to its affiliated status.
- Potential for insufficient funding to fully realize the site's potential.
- Possible disagreements between the National Park Service and the Beloved Community Services Corporation regarding management strategies.
- Risk that the site's interpretation may not fully address complex or controversial aspects of Marshall's career.
- Dependence on the Beloved Community Services Corporation for the site's long-term financial sustainability.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare and preserving national heritage. While the Constitution does not explicitly address historical sites, Congress's power to enact legislation for the public good is well-established. The establishment of a national historic site can be seen as furthering the goals of justice and domestic tranquility, as outlined in the Preamble. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).