Introduction:

We, the undersigned, urgently call upon National Parks Services Manhattan Sites Superintendent Shirley McKinney to take immediate action in removing the statue of General Philip Sheridan from Stonewall National Monument. We also seek the support of New York City Parks Director of Arts and Antiquities Jonathan Kuhn to find a suitable home for General Philip Sheridan and to work with the community to find alternative statues, as he has so graciously done in the past with the iconic George Segal "Gay Liberation" sculpture which also lives at Stonewall National Monument. Additionally, we call on New York City Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue to rename the neighboring Sheridan Square Viewing Garden. While acknowledging the arguments for preservation, it is evident that maintaining a statue and name that symbolizes the mistreatment of Native Americans contradicts the principles of inclusivity, diversity, and respect for marginalized communities. As Stonewall National Monument represents a crucial milestone in LGBTQIA2S+ history and civil rights, it is essential that we remove the statue to pave the way for more inclusive representations and narratives within the monument. We call for this removal to happen before June 2nd, 2024 which will mark the 100th anniversary of congress signing the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 that recognized Native Americans as citizens and gave them the right to vote in this country.

Petition Statement:

We, the undersigned, urge the relevant authorities to take prompt action in removing the statue of General Philip Sheridan from Stonewall National Monument and his name from Sheridan Square. Our reasons for this request are as follows:

Inclusivity and Respect for Marginalized Communities:
Stonewall National Monument commemorates the historic Stonewall uprising, a pivotal event in LGBTQIA2S+ history and civil rights. Preserving a statue that symbolizes the mistreatment of Native Americans contradicts the principles of inclusivity, diversity, and respect for marginalized communities. Removing the statue is a necessary step in ensuring that the monument accurately represents the struggles, achievements, and diverse experiences of all marginalized groups. We suggest moving this statue to a site or institution focused on educating the public about the Civil War.

Honoring Indigenous Heritage:
The Munsee Lenape heritage of Greenwich Village is an integral part of the area's history. In 1982, Regina Kellerman (then director of the Greenwich Village Trust for Historic Preservation) recognized that the Sheridan Square Viewing Garden was land undisturbed since the 1800s. The land was referred to as “the last piece of pre-colonial land in New York City”. Maintaining a statue of General Philip Sheridan, who played a role in the murder of Native American tribes, disrespects the indigenous communities that have long called this land home. By removing the statue, we pay homage to the Munsee Lenape people's rich heritage and demonstrate our commitment to respecting and honoring their culture and history. Additionally, removing General Sheridan’s name from the viewing garden plays homage to the unique indigenous history of the space..

Creating an Inclusive Space:
Removing General Philip Sheridan's statue from Stonewall National Monument allows for the creation of a more inclusive and welcoming space for all visitors. The monument should be a symbol of unity, acceptance, and celebration of diversity. By removing the statue, we send a powerful message that we strive to create an environment where every individual, regardless of their background, feels acknowledged and respected. Changing the name of the viewing garden opens up new opportunities to honor the unique history of the neighborhood.

Promoting Accurate Representation:
As our understanding of history evolves, so must our interpretations and representations of historical figures and events. The continued presence of General Philip Sheridan's statue and name is inconsistent with the evolving principles of inclusivity. Removing the statue and name presents an opportunity to showcase more accurate and nuanced narratives that reflect the diverse experiences and contributions of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and marginalized communities throughout history.

Finding a new home for General Philip Sheridan:
We task the appropriate authorities to coordinate with National Parks Services to remove the statue and to also move it to a new place better serving for Civil War education. When the adjacent statue George Segal’s “Gay Liberation” was cast away from an unaccepting part of Wisconsin, Jonathan Kuhn found a home for it. We ask that the same courtesy is presented to General Philip Sheridan. By relocating the statue to an appropriate setting, we can acknowledge the complex history it represents while creating space for more inclusive representations and narratives. This action will demonstrate our commitment to rectifying historical injustices and fostering a society that values the diverse experiences and contributions of all individuals.

Conclusion:

By signing this petition, we join together in advocating for the removal of General Philip Sheridan's statue from Stonewall National Monument and name from the neighboring viewing garden. As place representing an important milestone in LGBTQIA2S+ history and civil rights, it is crucial that the monument aligns with the principles of inclusivity, diversity, and respect for marginalized communities. It is important that the viewing garden does the same. Let us seize this opportunity to create a space that not only honors LGBTQIA2S+ history but also pays tribute to the Munsee Lenape heritage, fostering unity and promoting a more accurate representation of history. Together, we can ensure that Stonewall National Monument and neighboring communities stand as a symbol of inclusivity, equality, and respect for all.