New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul has sparked controversy after announcing that the artwork in the state’s Capitol building will be reassessed for its potential offensiveness towards Indigenous people.
This move is part of the governor’s 180-page 2024 State of the State policy book, where she has made it clear that she wants all New Yorkers to feel welcome and respected when visiting the Capitol.
According to the governor, offensive imagery and distasteful representation of populations in the Capitol artwork can alienate visitors and does not reflect the values of New York State. In particular, Hochul noted that Indigenous people are often depicted in harmful racial stereotypes and glorified acts of violence. In light of this, she believes that it is necessary to review and potentially remove these pieces to create a more inclusive space for all visitors.
The governor’s decision has been met with both praise and criticism. Some have applauded her efforts to address offensive artwork and promote inclusivity, while others have raised concerns about censorship and the erasure of history. However, Hochul remains determined to move forward with the reassessment.
In her press release, Hochul stated that all art pieces that are older than eighty years old and represent Indigenous people would be assessed. This means that some of the artwork in the Capitol could potentially be removed, relocated, or replaced, depending on the findings of the reassessment.
To ensure a comprehensive and respectful review, the governor has invited representatives from each of the nine Indigenous Nations to participate in the process. This not only highlights the importance of their voices but also emphasizes Hochul’s commitment to working closely with Indigenous communities.
So far, there is no specific timeline for when the reassessment will take place, but the governor is expected to begin the process soon. Hochul’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment, but she has already faced backlash from some Indigenous communities who feel that the reassessment is long overdue.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to address offensive and harmful depictions of Indigenous people in the United States. Hochul’s decision to reassess the artwork in the state’s Capitol is part of this larger movement and signifies a step toward a more inclusive and respectful representation of Indigenous communities.
As the first female governor of New York, Hochul has promised to prioritize diversity and inclusivity, as well as address longstanding issues faced by marginalized communities.
This reassessment of artwork in the Capitol is just one of many steps she hopes to take toward fulfilling these promises and creating a more equitable society for all New Yorkers.