Share and Follow
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia’s State Capitol might soon see the removal of three Confederate statues.
Senator Adam Ebbin, representing Alexandria, has introduced a proposal aiming to take down the monuments of Confederate figures — General Stonewall Jackson, former Governor William “Extra Billy” Smith, also a Confederate general, and Dr. Hunter Holmes McGuire — from Capitol Square.
Ebbin, who plans to retire after this General Assembly Session, expressed his desire to enhance Capitol Square before leaving office. “It’s like the principle of camping: leave the site better than you found it. After 22 years, I want to improve Capitol Square by removing these statues,” he told 8News.
He finds it uncomfortable for visitors to encounter memorials dedicated to Confederate leaders.
“We need to reconsider whom we honor. The Civil War concluded long ago, and while it’s important to remember, we should reflect on how we commemorate it,” Ebbin remarked.
However, Republicans like Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover) said Ebbin’s bill is an example of Democrats prioritizing measures that won’t actually help everyday Virginians.
“The questions y’all are asking about are bills that Democrats are putting in that are not focused on Virginians, saving them money,” McDougle told 8News. “It’s not focused on their affordability. It’s everything but that.”
Ebbin said the cost of removing the three statues is around $150,000. His bill still needs to clear the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee before it can be heard by the full Senate.