Reconciliation in Place Names

Summary#

This bill would create a public, systematic process to identify and replace "offensive place names" on maps and on certain federal lands. It directs the Secretary of the Interior to set up an Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names (the Committee). The Committee would have 17 members appointed by the Secretary, including tribal members, representatives with civil rights or cultural expertise, and members of the public. The Committee must solicit and review proposals from Indian Tribes, state and local governments, affected land agencies, and the public. It will recommend new names to the Board on Geographic Names (the Board) for domestic geographic features and to Congress for Federal land units. The Board must accept or reject Committee proposals within three years and must approve a proposal unless there is a compelling reason, substantial public interest in rejecting it, or approval would violate Federal law. The Committee should complete its main duties within five years and will terminate after the Board has acted on its proposals.

What it means for you#

  • Places covered include geographic features and named units of Federal land such as National Parks, National Forests, Wilderness areas, and Wildlife Refuges.
  • Tribal governments, state and local governments, land agencies, and members of the public can submit proposals to rename offensive names.
  • If the Committee recommends a name change for a geographic feature, the Board must review it and generally must approve it unless there is a strong legal or public reason not to.
  • For Federal land units, the Committee will make proposals to Congress.
  • The Secretary must consult with Indian Tribes when appointing certain Committee members.

Expenses#

  • Committee members serve without pay.
  • Members are allowed travel expenses and per diem at standard federal rates when away from home.
  • The Secretary must provide staff and technical assistance to the Committee.
  • No publicly available information on total or estimated budgetary costs for establishing and operating the Committee or for carrying out renaming actions beyond these provisions.

Proponents' View#

The bill states that some U.S. place names use racial or sexual slurs, honor people who held racially repugnant views or committed atrocities, or perpetuate stereotypes. It finds that such names can perpetuate prejudice and disparage communities. Proponents, according to the bill text, want an equitable, transparent, and public process to review and replace offensive names and see the process as an opportunity for reconciliation with affected communities.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.