Typical Non-Responsive Letter

 

STATE OF TEXAS
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
June 19, 2000

 

Mr. David A. Williams
Xxx xxxx Rd
Xxxx, TX XXXXX

 

 

Dear Mr. Williams:

 

Thank you for your letter about the Confederate plaques in the Texas Supreme Court Building. Governor Bush understands the sensitivity of this issue to many people.

 

The Governor opposes any attempt to rewrite Texas history. Historical representations of the six governments that have governed Texas are displayed through the Capitol complex. These symbols and emblems reflect the history and diversity that make the Lone Star State unique. Three large monuments on the Capitol grounds specifically commemorate Texas’ involvement in the Civil War, and they will do so in perpetuity.

 

In 1955, the Legislature stipulated that the Texas Supreme Court Building be designated as a memorial to Texans who served in the Armed Services of the Confederate States of America and that a suitable cornerstone or plaque should be integrated into the construction of the building for this purpose. The building remains dedicated to Texans who served the Confederacy.

 

Members of the Governor’s staff conferred with members of the Legislature; representatives of organizations who express particular interest in this matter; and Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, the building’s tenants. They determined that the plaques needed to better explain the building’s memorial designation and remind visitors of the Court’s commitment to equal justice for all. The Governor’s staff then worked with members of the Court and the General Services Commission (TXC), the agency responsible for maintenance of the building, to develop the new plaques. As with other building projects, GSC completed the work in the being to avoid disruption, especially from loud drilling, that would occur if done during normal business hours.

 

Agreement was reached that the replacement plaques would read “Because this building was built with monies from the Confederate pension fund, it was, at that time, designated as a memorial to the Texans who served the Confederacy.”

 

“The courts of Texas are entrusted with providing equal justice under the law to all persons regardless of race, creed, or color.”

 

Governor Bush supported replacing the plaques, not removing hem and explaining history, not revising it.

 

Sincerely,

 

SHIRLEY M. GREEN
Director of Correspondence and Constituent Services