City commission recommends keeping controversial statues in place

<p>A commission created to figure out what to do with controversial statues on New York City property has recommended that most be kept where they are with historical markers added for additional context. </p>

News 12 Staff

•

Jan 12, 2018, 11:05 AM

•

Updated 2,293 days ago

Share:

A commission created to figure out what to do with controversial statues on New York City property has recommended that they must be kept where they are with historical markers added for additional context.

However, one statue will be moved. Officials say the Dr. J. Marion Sims statue will be moved from Central Park to Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn.

The Mayoral Advisory Commission on City Art, Monuments and Markers was put together by Mayor Bill de Blasio following nationwide protests over Confederate statues.

Sims, often called the “father of gynecology,” was a white 19th-century doctor who performed surgical experiments on enslaved black women without anesthesia.

The commission was criticized for the idea that statues like those of Christopher Columbus in Columbus Circle and Sims could be removed.

The president of Green-Wood Cemetery Richard Moylan says the commission agreed that the statue should be moved to Green-Wood where Sims and his family are buried.

However, Moylan says only the statue will be moved and not the surrounding plaques that credit the doctor with his surgical breakthroughs.

Moylan says other plaques or explanatory panels that detail the good and also the bad will be created.

He says hundreds of school groups visit the cemetery each year and that the statue would be a great education tool for retelling history.

More from News 12

1:45

City commission recommends keeping controversial statues in place

<p>A commission created to figure out what to do with controversial statues on New York City property has recommended that most be kept where they are with historical markers added for additional context.&nbsp;</p>

More from News 12

A closer look at 4 laws in approved NY state budget designed to combat retail theft

Scattered showers Wednesday in the Hudson Valley; cooldown expected Thursday

Kindness never goes out of style: Social media request helps provide prom dresses for kids with special needs

State police: Victim of I-684 car crash identified as convicted murderer in country illegally

Brooklyn man charged with scamming Westchester resident out of $28K

Another fire at Spring Valley apartment complex; county officials issue one violation

Source: 16-year-old arrested in Newburgh stabbing near high school

Montgomery man charged, officer’s conduct under review following Walmart larceny

Police: Goshen home vandalized in hate crime

Fire outside L.L. Bean Store in Town of Ulster quickly extinguished

Police: Wallkill man reported missing found dead in home

Wake and funeral announced for Westchester correction officer killed in crash

3 Hudson Valley small towns ranked among best places for retirement

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Naming contest announced for baby falcons on Mario M. Cuomo Bridge

Headlines: 2 men from Orange County sentenced for drug dealing, Ulster County drug and weapon bust

State DEC introduces new shark handling regulations for marine anglers

Rockland County road resurfacing program begins

Authorities: Man and woman arrested in Westchester for attempted homicide and assault

Former Spring Valley building inspector files federal lawsuit against Rockland County and DA's office

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices

<p>A commission created to figure out what to do with controversial statues on New York City property has recommended that most be kept where they are with historical markers added for additional context. </p>