Sen. John Cornyn (R., Texas) introduced a resolution on Monday evening in the Senate calling on the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture to recognize Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
Thomas is only featured in a sizable display about Anita Hill, who became famous while accusing Thomas of sexual harassment during Thomas’ confirmation hearings.
The resolution calls on the museum to place Thomas in a prominent location in the museum.
Thomas was born and raised in poverty in segregated Georgia were he rose through school and had a successful career. President George H.W. Bush nominated Thomas to the Supreme Court in 1991, and he was confirmed with a 52-48 vote. Thomas has been a leading conservative voice on the court and has written many decisions in his 25-year career.
A petition was started in October calling on the Smithsonian to include Thomas. The Smithsonian has stated that not everybody’s story could be put on exhibit when the museum first opened.
Cornyn is joined by fellow Republican Senators Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Orrin Hatch (Utah), Mike Lee (Utah), Tim Scott (S.C.) and Ted Cruz (Texas) in sponsoring the measure.