Executive Order 3 (2006)

Continuing the Civil Rights Memorial Commission

Importance of the Issue

The Civil Rights Movement was a seminal period in our shared history. The struggles of the Civil Rights Movement secured the constitutional rights of African- Americans and other persons suffering from discrimination in our society. It is a movement that the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation should remember and honor.

The Commonwealth has memorialized for future generations many aspects of our history at the seat of government in Capitol Square in Richmond. Regrettably, the Civil Rights Movement has yet to receive such recognition.

Many of the most important legal victories of the Civil Rights Movement originated in Virginia, including Supreme Court decisions that desegregated public transportation and accommodations, juries, courtrooms, and public schools, as well as decisions that invalidated anti-miscegenation laws and restrictive property covenants.

The bravery of leaders of the Civil Rights Movement helped create a more just and equitable society for all of our people. There is no more important accomplishment in our history. It is long past time for the Commonwealth of Virginia to recognize and honor the Civil Rights Movement with a memorial.

The 2005 General Assembly overwhelmingly approved House Joint Resolution 790, which requests the Governor to establish a memorial commission on civil rights. Governor Warner created the Commission on July 29, 2005, through Executive Order 96 (2005).

Continuation of the Commission

By virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V, Section 1 of the Constitution of Virginia and Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia, I hereby continue the Civil Rights Memorial Commission. The Commission shall consist of nine members. As requested by House Joint Resolution 790, I will chair the Commission. Other members shall include the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Delegates, one additional member of the House of Delegates (as recommended by the Speaker of the House of Delegates), the Chairman of the Senate Committee of Rules, and four other members appointed by the Governor. Additional members may be appointed at the Governor's discretion.

Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation, but they may receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in the discharge of their official duties.

Charge for the Commission

I hereby direct the Commission to continue to study and recommend to the Governor and General Assembly an appropriate memorial in Capitol Square to commemorate the courage and fortitude of Virginians in the Civil Rights Movement, including the students of Robert Russa Moton High School, and other leaders who contributed to the Civil Rights Movement in Virginia. I further direct the Commission to take other steps as may seem necessary and appropriate to facilitate establishment of this memorial.

I further direct that all agencies of the Commonwealth provide any assistance that may be requested by the Commission. Staff support for the Commission shall be provided by the Secretary of Administration, the Office of the Governor, and such other agencies as may be designated by the Governor.

This Executive Order shall become effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect until January 14, 2007, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 14th day of January 2006.

/s/ Timothy M. Kaine, Governor

Attest:

/s/ Secretary of the Commonwealth