July 6, 2015 - SACRAMENTO: Senate Minority Leader Bob Huff (R-San Dimas) has agreed to become a co-author of SB 539, otherwise known as the Frederick Douglass Liberty Act. Authored by Senator Steve Glazer (D-Contra Costa), SB 539 would prohibit all public schools, buildings, parks, roadways and other state-owned property from using names associated with the Confederate States of America.
Names associated with the Confederate States of America include, but are not limited to, Confederate elected leaders and military generals.
“It’s time for a change in thinking and how we treat history,” said Senator Huff. “The shooting deaths of nine African-American men and women at a church in South Carolina is clear proof that racial violence is alive and well in this country. Images of the accused killer wrapping himself in the Confederate Flag show that it’s become an emblem of cruel oppression and racial hatred. It’s become offensive to segments of our society.”
Senator Huff agreed to co-author the measure after meeting with Senator Glazer. Both agree that the use of Confederate-associated names in California public schools, buildings, parks, roads and other public property only serves to promote the discriminatory agenda of the Confederate States of America. It is an assault on California’s mission for racial equality.
There are currently two schools named after top Confederate General Robert E. Lee, one in San Diego and the other in Long Beach.
“California should have no interest in enshrining the names of Confederate leaders, the secessionist movement or their ideals in our public schools, buildings, parks or other state property,” said Senator Huff. “While it’s important to never forget the mistakes made in the past, we shouldn’t be in the business of paying tribute to those mistakes.”