Oregon Lawmakers Push to Rename Offensive Geographic Sites
By Mia Maldonado, Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon legislators are taking decisive action to expedite the renaming of geographic locations that carry offensive names, with House Bill 3532 set to advance to the Senate. The bill mandates that the Oregon Geographic Names Board, advised by the Oregon Historical Society, compile a list of offensive names within three years and engage with local governments and tribes for new name suggestions.
Currently, the renaming process is protracted; suggestions require extensive site tours, historical research, and consultations with various stakeholders, including tribes and local officials. Notably, the Oregon Historical Society has cataloged 107 sites with derogatory names, including terms that are racial slurs and offensive to Indigenous communities, such as "Squaw Creek" and "Chinaman Hat."
Following a bipartisan vote of 45-3 in the House, the bill may soon be passed by the Senate before reaching the governor’s desk. Oregon’s move to rename places echoes similar legislative efforts in Texas, Maine, and California, aiming to address historical racial injustices.
Recent federal actions have sparked debate about the feasibility of such renaming initiatives. The Biden administration established a commission to eliminate offensive names from federal lands. However, skepticism arose during the Trump tenure when federal authorities exerted control over name changes.
Indigenous lawmakers, including Rep. Tawna Sanchez, the bill’s lead sponsor, have emphasized the importance of erasing these derogatory terms from Oregon’s landscape. "Renaming offensive locations reflects our commitment to historical truth and respect," Sanchez stated.
As Oregon steps toward a more inclusive future, the outcome of the bill may set a precedent in the ongoing effort to honor Indigenous history and promote a welcoming environment for all residents.
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