Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 9, 2025
Bottom line
This bill mandates the removal or concealment of Francis Newlands' name from a public memorial fountain in Washington, D.C., reflecting ongoing efforts to reassess historical figures commemorated in public spaces.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to remove or permanently conceal all instances of Francis Newlands' name from the memorial fountain at Chevy Chase Circle in Washington, D.C. This includes a brass plaque, a stone projection, and carved names on coping stones. The removed items are to be offered to Newlands' descendants for a period of 60 days, and if unclaimed, they will be accessioned into the National Park Service's Rock Creek Park museum collection.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that removing Newlands' name is a necessary step to address his legacy as a proponent of segregation and white supremacy, ensuring that public spaces do not honor figures whose actions contradict modern values of equality and inclusion. They contend that public memorials should reflect the community's contemporary understanding of historical significance and moral principles.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that altering historical monuments amounts to "erasing history" and that understanding historical figures in their full context, including their flaws, is important for education. They may contend that such removals set a precedent for continually re-evaluating and potentially removing other historical markers, leading to an incomplete or sanitized view of the past.
The bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly.
Section 2(a)
Removal or Concealment of Francis G. Newlands' Name
This section mandates that the Secretary of the Interior take specific actions to eliminate the presence of Francis G. Newlands' name from the memorial fountain at Chevy Chase Circle. This includes removing a brass plaque, a stone projection, and carved names. The removed items are to be offered to Newlands' descendants for 60 days, after which they will become part of the National Park Service's Rock Creek Park museum collection.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision directly addresses the problematic legacy of Francis Newlands, who was a known segregationist and white supremacist, by removing his name from a public memorial. They believe this action aligns public spaces with contemporary values of equity and justice, ensuring that figures with such histories are not honored in prominent public locations.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that this provision represents an attempt to erase history rather than learn from it, arguing that monuments, even those to flawed figures, serve as reminders of the past. They may also suggest that the cost and effort of removal could be better spent on other community initiatives.
Tradeoffs
The provision navigates the tension between preserving historical artifacts and re-evaluating public commemoration in light of evolving societal values. It balances the desire to acknowledge historical figures with the imperative to avoid honoring individuals whose legacies are widely considered antithetical to modern principles of equality.