Jordan Howard (OU)
November 11, 2021
This afternoon, the Senators had the opportunity to hear Senate Bill SE-001, authored by Sen. Gilmore which seeks to provide a route for the removal of historical monuments in the state of Oklahoma. According to Sen. Gilmore, this bill seeks to provide a uniform way for citizens of Oklahoma to request the removal of certain monuments, and asserts that, “It provides a route by which to remove monuments rather than just going and taking it down. It is not to ban the removal of monuments completely; it is to add a safe passage by which to do so.” With this legislation, it would be illegal to remove, deface, or relocated any monument without the State Historic Preservation Office of Oklahoma’s permission.
Senators felt that the was very controversial, and the legislation had several proponents and opponents.
Proponent, Sen. Roberts (NSU) favors the legislation. She believes it would protect certain monuments that are threatened by cancel culture.
Sen. Robert’s says monuments, “…are part of history and there is no reason they should be torn down.”
Also in support of the bill is Sen. Shaw, who contends that the bill is not only timely, but also very necessary.
“It is especially relevant to bring forward the issue at hand and address it, rather than run away from it or leave it open to the wind and the people.”
However, others like Sen. Lamb felt that the bill faced strong opposition.
“I feel like it’s going to get shot down very hard, it’s probably going to have some aggressive debate go along with it.” He also questions the content of the bill saying, “the thing about it is, is that any kind of petition or movement by a legislature to move that monument is its own different lawful act.”
Senators debated and amended this bill so long that the bill was tabled to be heard the next day.