August 20 2015 Louisville, Kentucky USA – The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights Board of Commissioners at its meeting today unanimously passed a resolution encouraging Kentucky state and local governments to erect statues of women of historical significance and of notable achievement in places of honor throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

 

The resolution will be submitted to the Kentucky General Assembly and to the Governor of Kentucky, the Kentucky Mayors’ Association, the Kentucky County Judges’ Association and the Kentucky Division of Historic Properties.

 

Kentucky Human Rights Commissioner Sandra Moore of Richmond, Ky., who represents the state at large on the commission board, read the resolution at today’s meeting.

 

About the resolution Commissioner Moore said: “I think the year 2015 is the time for Kentucky to go on record as recognizing the leadership and contributions of the great women of Kentucky. It is important not only for the women whose images would be cast in bronze or marble, but it is also important for all women and especially the younger generation to see their female role models who have contributed to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

 

The resolution states:

 

“Women, the same as men, have advanced Kentucky, the nation and world, and Kentucky has done little to acknowledge and honor this reality in bronze or in marble. In our visual culture, the icons and symbols of women achievers is sorely lacking throughout our state.

 

“A failure to observe women in places of honor narrows the vision of our youth, and reveals a lack of understanding of American history regarding women’s work, sacrifice and the immeasurable and timeless contributions to society’s advancement.

 

“The absence of such symbols stymies the inspiration, motivation and encouragement that these markers would provide, if they existed.

 

“In Louisville, a campaign led by the Louisville Girls Leadership organization is under way to recognize women.

 

“The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights commends the Louisville Girls Leadership organization for bringing to the attention of the public, the lack of female statues and icons honoring women achievers to public attention.

 

“The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights encourages state and local governments throughout Kentucky to assess the dearth of women honored in their communities, and to lead the way in establishing statues, and other appropriate symbols and icons such as plaques and murals, to recognize and honor the outstanding contributions of women achievers to society.

 

“The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights calls upon our state and local elected and appointed officials, to pursue the placement of statues and icons honoring women achievers in the state Capitol rotunda, in courthouses, parks and on plazas, as well as other state and municipal-owned and managed government buildings and tax-supported facilities.

 

The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights is the state government agency that enforces civil rights laws, which prohibit discrimination. For help with discrimination, contact the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights at 1.800.292.5566.