The town of Brookhaven on Long Island has offered to welcome statues of historical figures that New York City might remove due to their controversial pasts. Town officials have already identified spots for these statues and are willing to cover the cost of dismantling and transporting them.
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Edward Romaine explained that the town looks at the historical figures’ accomplishments and contributions to history in a broader context. They believe that these statues deserve respect and recognition.
This offer from Brookhaven comes in response to a proposal by the New York City Council to remove statues and artwork featuring figures with controversial pasts. For example, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Peter Stuyvesant, and Christopher Columbus are among those mentioned, as they have been associated with slavery or mistreatment of indigenous peoples.
Critics have described these removal efforts as examples of cancel culture, while supporters argue they aim to correct historical injustices.
Brookhaven has offered to take these statues and display them in their parks, where they believe they can receive the respect they deserve while recognizing the complexities of their historical legacies. The town is willing to cover the transportation costs to facilitate this relocation.
