Bill > HB1194

This bill establishes a memorial monument on the Arkansas State Capitol grounds to recognize and commemorate the historic integration of Hoxie Public Schools in 1955, which was one of the first successful school desegregation efforts following the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. The bill provides detailed historical context about the Hoxie School Board's voluntary desegregation in the summer of 1955, highlighting how they faced significant resistance from the White Citizens' Council but ultimately prevailed with support from the NAARC and the federal government. Specifically, the legislation creates the "Hoxie: The First Stand Memorial Monument Fund" to collect donations for erecting and maintaining the monument, and mandates that the Secretary of State work with the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission to select an appropriate design and location for the monument on the Capitol grounds. The bill also amends existing state law to add the new monument fund to the list of approved funds for monument maintenance and preservation, ensuring that donations can be properly collected and used for the memorial's creation and upkeep. The monument aims to celebrate this pivotal moment in Arkansas's civil rights history and recognize the courage of the Hoxie School Board in standing against segregation.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1194&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R