State of Tennessee June 24, 2015 “The Honorable Kon Ramsey Legislative Plaza | Nashville, TN 37243 ‘The Honorable Beth Harwell Legislative Plaza 19 Nashwille, TN 37243 Dear Speakers Ramsey and Harwell: ‘The tragic murders that occurred last week in Charleston, South Carolina have shaken the consciousness of every American, and given new vigor toa conversation about how our history continues to shape the here and now. ‘We commend Gov. Haslam, as well as the numerous leaders of both politcal partes who have called for the removal of historic symbols of hate ffom the halls of state ‘government. Decency truly has no party lines, and we stand with our colleagues who believe in healing, not division. In this spirit, we are writing to both of you to ask that the bust of Gen, Nathan Bedford Forrest be removed from the Capitol According to TCA 4-1-412(d), also known as the “Tennessee Heritage Protection Act of 2013, [a}ny entity exercising control of public property on which an item ... Deseribed in subsection (a) is located may petition the Tennessee Historical Commission for ‘And, pursuant to TCA 4-8-101(2)(A), the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the hhouse will be called upon to make the ultimate decision regarding petitioning for the removal ofthe bust It is the duty of the depariment of general services, through the commissioner acting with approval of the speaker ofthe senate and the speaker ofthe house of representatives, to take eare of and preserve the second floor of the state capitol, including all chambers, galleries, offices, rooms, hallways, balconies, storageareas and other spaces therein, and all associated furniture and fixtures and to keep the same in good order, While we cannot and should not sanitize our history, the placement of a bust in the Capitol should be reserved for those Tennesseans most deserving of recognition for their service to the state. Gen. Forrest's legacy is not merely that of a cavalry general. It is plainly tanished by his linkage to the slave trade, wartime atrocities, and service as the first Grand Wizard of the Klu Klux Klan. Tennessee was created, developed and sirengthened by so many brave and honorable people that are deserving of our recognition and emulation. For Forest to have a place of honor in our halls is huttul t0 so many. Each member of the General Assembly passes the visage of Gen. Forrest as they enter their respective chambers to do their work for the people. We weleome schoo! groups from across the state to the Capitol to encourage them to find their place in the great continuing work of Tennessee. Removing this symbol of pain would be a meaningful service to the State and an important step that is long overdue. Sincerely, YAO YR Sen, Lee Haris Sen, Jeff Yarbro