A famous statue of William Penn, for whom Pennsylvania is named, will not be removed by the National Park Service after bi-partisan opposition.
Penn is known for establishing religious freedom in the colony in response to the persecution suffered by him and other Quakers in Great Britain. Many Quakers and others fleeing persecution fled to the colony from Europe and other colonies.
Bi-partisan opposition
The controversial announcement by the government agency to tear it down received widespread condemnation. It is an iconic part of Philadelphia’s Welcome Park which also includes the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Constitution drafted.
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In the original announcement, the NPS said it wanted to “rehabilitate” the park into a more “welcoming, accurate, and inclusive experience for visitors” and focused on Native American history of Philadelphia.
The removal is part of what many call a draconian erasure of American history and has included the removal of historical figures including Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and others.
The plan brought swift condemnation from both Democrats and Republicans. The state’s Democrat Gov. Josh Shapiro posted that he was in contact with President Joe Biden to stop the removal.
Two Pennsylvania legislators issued a joint statement saying they would co-sponsor a resolution condemning the removal and changes to the park
“This is another outrageous example of the ‘woke’ movement’s determination to erase our history,” Staats said in a statement. “They are now targeting the man whose legacy includes a commitment to peace and coexistence.”
–Wire services and Metro Voice