HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

}OE STRAU S
SPE AKER

September 19, 2017

The Honorable Greg Abbott

Governor of the State of Texas
Capitol Building
Room 2S.1
Austin, TX 78701

Dear Governor Abbott:

There has been considerable discussion recently in Texas and across the country about monuments,
plaques, and other symbols that discuss or honor the Confederacy. Many of these symbols have been
placed in and around the Capitol in order to tell the history of our state.

Confederate monuments and plaques are understandably important to many Texans. But it is important
that the historical information displayed on the Capitol grounds is accurate and appropriate. The Children
of the Confederacy Creed plaque on the first floor of the Capitol does not meet this standard. The plaque
says that the Civil War was not an act of rebellion and was not primarily about slavery. This is not accurate,
and Texans are not well-served by incorrect information about our history.

Those of us who serve on the State Preservation Board should direct staff to identify the steps necessary to
remove this plaque as soon as practicable. Texans should expect to see an accurate depiction of history
when they visit their state Capitol. As I have stated before, I also believe that Preservation Board Staff
should study the historical accuracy and context of other symbols on the Capitol grounds. For example,
some of the language that explains and describes monuments may need updating. We have an obligation
to all the people we serve to ensure that our history is described correctly, especially when it comes to a
subject as painful as slavery.

I look forward to working with you on these issues moving forward, and I do hope that we can quickly form
a consensus to begin the process of removing the blatantly inaccurate plaque on the Capitol's first floor.
Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss these issues further, and thank you as always for your
service to our fellow Texans.

Sincerely,

P.O. Box 2910 A USTI N, T EXAS 78768-2910 (512) 463-1000 F AX (512) 463-0675