North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C.– The Congressional Hispanic Conference (CHC) Co-Chairs Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) and Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) led a meeting with CHC members and the Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, along with the Secretary's staff, to address concerns regarding the exhibit currently on display for the Museum of the American Latino. The current exhibit, which is a precursor for the museum, has an overarching theme that Hispanics are deserters, traitors, and victims of oppression in the U.S. Following the meeting, the Co-Chairs released the following statement:
 

"As long-time supporters of the National Museum of the American Latino, we feel it is important to accurately chronicle the story of Latinos in America. The act that created the museum in 2020 required that the ‘board of trustees shall ensure that the exhibits and programs of the museum reflect the diversity of viewpoints held by Latinos on the events and issues related to Latino History in the United States.’

 

Our members share a profound interest in highlighting the remarkable and diverse accomplishments of Hispanic Americans, we were deeply disappointed and offended by the current exhibit. After meeting with Smithsonian leadership, it is clear, that finally, the message has been heard. The Institution understood the unfortunate and even insulting portrayal the gallery had of our community. Based on the conversation, the Smithsonian has seriously committed to rectifying its actions. Procedural changes in the review of content and leadership have been made. Under these circumstances, the CHC feels reassured we can work together with Congressman Mike Simpson, Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, to allow funding to go further for the National Museum of American Latino. Hispanics are not victims or traitors, instead, they are the backbone of our American society, and the Smithsonian leadership now understands that." 

Original source can be found here.