Bill Overview
Title: Honoring Harriet Tubman Act
Description: This bill requires the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain a statue of Harriet Tubman and place the statue in a suitable permanent location in National Statuary Hall.
Sponsors: Rep. Maloney, Carolyn B. [D-NY-12]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals interested in Harriet Tubman's legacy and American Civil Rights history
Estimated Size: 5000000
- The erecting of a Harriet Tubman statue is symbolic and primarily impacts individuals culturally rather than directly, such as through economic, health, or legal changes.
- Such a statue would primarily have cultural and educational impacts, raising awareness of Harriet Tubman's contributions to history.
- The statue would be placed in National Statuary Hall, a location in the U.S. Capitol, and would be visible to visitors from around the world.
- The symbolism of honoring Harriet Tubman in the Capitol is relevant to African Americans, educational groups, historians, and tourists.
- Schools and educational groups visiting the Capitol might include the story of Harriet Tubman in their curriculum.
- The broader audience who has an interest in American history and civil rights will reflect on Tubman's legacy when learning about the presence of her statue in a significant government building.
Reasoning
- The policy mainly affects individuals culturally and symbolically, aiming to enhance well-being indirectly by honoring historical figures and promoting education.
- As the policy is symbolic, the cost of erecting a statue is manageable within the budget constraints given the focus on cultural and educational impacts rather than tangible benefits.
- The commonness of perspectives will vary; educators and historians might be highly impacted, whereas others might have no change in their daily lives.
- The change in Cantril well-being scores will likely be minor for many as the direct personal impact is limited.
Simulated Interviews
History Teacher (Baltimore, MD)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This statue will serve as a powerful teaching tool.
- It recognizes Harriet Tubman's contributions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Civil Rights Activist (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a long-overdue recognition of a crucial figure.
- Harriet Tubman's legacy deserves such a platform.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired (Chicago, IL)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This makes me feel proud of my heritage.
- It's heartening to see such honors for Harriet Tubman.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Artist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Public art like this is vital for dialogue.
- Harriet's story needs to be more visible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
College Student (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This statue enhances my academic learning.
- It shows the importance of Harriet Tubman in the political landscape.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Museum Curator (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 55 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Harriet Tubman deserves this recognition at the national level.
- This will draw more attention to our exhibits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Journalist (New York, NY)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This action highlights overlooked historical figures.
- Important for cultural representation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Tour Guide (Orlando, FL)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Great addition for tourists interested in history.
- A story worth sharing with visitors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
High School Principal (Houston, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Inclusion of such statues influences education positively.
- Harriet Tubman's story aligns with our educational goals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Entrepreneur (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Adding this statue is a step towards better representation in educational materials.
- An important move for awareness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $300000, High: $1000000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The act's main focus is the cultural and educational significance rather than economic or fiscal impact.
- The statue's unveiling may generate national attention, which can indirectly enhance its cultural impact.
- Stakeholder involvement, including artist selection and historical accuracy, must be managed to avoid controversy or dissatisfaction.