Delaware has recently taken steps to end the glorification of racism and racists in our history. Recently, the City of Wilmington took down a statue of Christopher Columbus, whose history of genocide and colonization is well recognized, and plans to take down its statues of Caesar Rodney, famous colonist and slaveowner. These steps represent an acknowledgment that we have glorified these figures for too long and a recognition that, though we must teach the history of our state, doing so does not require us to idolize people who have perpetuated racism and racist ideologies.

In light of these events in our state, as well as a similar trend across the country, we call upon the Georgetown Historical Society, Nutter Marvel Carriage Museum, and Delaware Grays Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 2068 to remove the monument to confederate soldiers of Delaware. Although we cannot forget that nearly 2,000 Delawareans fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War, this monument ultimately glorifies a group of soldiers who committed treason against the United States and fought to continue American slavery. This monument is unacceptable and stands against our values as a state.

In addition, we call for the Delaware General Assembly to adopt a resolution formally condemning the Georgetown Historical Society, Nutter Marvel Carriage Museum, and Delaware Grays Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 2068 for their respective roles in the construction and maintenance of this monument. We also demand that grant-in-aid funding continue to be withheld from Georgetown Historical Society until this monument is removed. Further, we ask that Sussex County Return Day, Inc. not include Georgetown Historical Society in planning the annual Return Day Celebration.

This monument is not in line with the values of Delawareans and celebrates a dark history of treason and oppression in our state. Though we must recognize this history, there is no need to so in a way that brings glory to a racist and treasonist ideology. This monument must come down.