Minnesota’s Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAP Board) voted today to give itself the power to remove monuments, memorials, and works of art from the capitol grounds. 

Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) offered an amendment that would give the CAAP Board an advisory role and reserve final determination for the removal of monuments, memorials, and works of art to the duly-elected legislature. The discussion took place during an August 24 meeting about CAAP Board rulemaking authority. The amendment failed by a vote of 7-2. And the final vote giving the CAAP board authority to remove artwork, memorials, and monuments from the Capitol passed 9-1. 

“The decision to remove certain works of art or monuments from the capitol grounds must be made with utmost seriousness, clarity, and accountability,” Nelson said. “The CAAP Board is an unelected board with half of its members appointed by the St. Paul mayor and the governor. The authority to remove works of art must rest with the members of the duly-elected legislature – individuals who directly represent the public. Removal should not be left to rule-making by an unelected body. It’s the only way to guarantee accountability.”

The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board is made up of 12 appointment members and is chaired by the Lieutenant Governor. The governor appoints four members, the mayor of St. Paul appoints three members, the speaker of the House of Representatives appoints two representatives, and the president of the Senate appoints two senators.