Across the country, America’s past has been questioned by some minority groups that are demanding the removal of historic statues and memorabilia. The movement against these monuments started in the south as many confederate statues were taken down following numerous complaints by local activists and residents. These groups eventually gained nationwide attention, and now California’s 21 Catholic missions are under similar pressure.
The latest removal took place on the UC Santa Cruz campus, with about 100 people gathered to watch the removal of mission bells from the building. The Amah Mutsun, a group of indigenous people in California, was responsible for the efforts behind the campaign.
Valentin Lopez, chairman of the Amah Mutsun, who led efforts to remove the bell, explained that “growing up, we saw the missions and we knew that they were places of atrocity, of murder, rape, savagery, slavery, and incarceration.” Another member described these bells as “racist symbols that glorify the domination and dehumanization of our ancestors.” Statements like those given by the Amah Mutsun and the continued efforts of indigenous groups have led to the removal of hundreds of historic sites across the United States.
This event may be the start of many removal initiatives regarding the iconic cast-iron bell markers dotting California’s historic landscape. Many other universities have taken action as well. Stanford also removed prominent references to Junipero Serra, the Catholic friar who founded the first missions in California.
Although the California missions have long been part of the state’s image, perceptions regarding these building are quickly changing as more people are beginning to voice their concerns. While some view the monuments as buildings that helped unite early Spanish settlers and native Americans, others see them as camps that were used to kill natives and their culture. As more native groups are joining the fight for the removal of these monuments, California’s history is brought back to life.
However, these removals are not taking place without criticism from outside groups. In fact, the school was scrutinized for removing what some believed was a valuable piece of history that memorialized California’s early years. Sarah Latham, Vice Chancellor for business and administrative services at UC Santa Cruz, responded that “some might pass by this bell and just view it as a marker. But others every day when they pass by this bell view it as a very powerful and painful symbol.”
