WASHINGTON -- A state panel is soliciting recommendations on what should replace Virginia’s Robert E. Lee statue at the U.S. Capitol.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that a virtual hearing by the Commission for Historical Statues in the United States Capitol is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday.
The new statue will complement one of George Washington. This comes after the commission voted unanimously in July to take down the Lee statue and replace it with a to-be-determined Virginian.
The first 80 people who sign up to speak will up to 3 minutes each to make their case.
Related: How you can nominate new honoree to replace Lee statue at U.S. Capitol
People can also submit written comments. The deadline for those is Nov. 27.
Suggestions for a new historical figure to represent Virginia in the U.S. Capitol must conform to criteria established by the office of the Architect of the U.S. Capitol.
That criteria requires:
⦁ That the person honored by a statue be deceased
⦁ Be illustrious for historic renown or for distinguished civic or military service
⦁ Represent only one individual.
⦁ Requires that the person was a U.S. citizen (Exceptions are made for an indigenous person who resided in the present-day U.S.)
Additional values and attributes include:
⦁ The historical person must be associated with significant events that changed the course of history or with significant ideals, writings or concepts.
⦁ Someone renowned for exemplary valor, patriotism, and bravery.
⦁ The person should be one whose primary historical significance ties her or him directly to Virginia. Or the person should have spent the majority of his or her life residing in the commonwealth.
⦁ Suggested honorees should represent current prevailing values, according to the commission’s criteria.
Students and others Virginians should submit their suggestions by email to USCapitolCommission@dhr.virginia.gov or by mail to the US Capitol Commission, Department of Historic Resources, 2801 Kensington Ave., Richmond, VA 23221.
At a public hearing in December, the commission will select one name from the list of five to recommend to the General Assembly for approval.
