Statues and monuments honoring racist figures continue to fall across the United States and around the world.

U.S. President Trump is pushing back against protesters and in an act of defiance, signed an executive order punishing those who damage or destroy federal monuments.

Reigniting the debate: is the destruction of statues an attempt to erase history or update it?

To discuss:

• Cherise Smith is chair and associate Professor of African and African Diaspora Studies at the University of Texas at Austin.
• Jaleel Brown is a graphic designer at SightCrafted and has taken part in anti-racism protests.
• Walter D. Kennedy is chief of Heritage Operations, Sons of Confederate Veterans.
• Ana Lucia Araujo is a history professor and director of Graduate Studies at Howard University.

For more:

The Mississippi legislature passes a bill to change the state flag, which features a Confederate emblem. The governor has said he will sign it.https://t.co/H61VEaoAIk

— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) June 28, 2020

Trump signs executive order to protect monuments https://t.co/p5B3XRkHjv

— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 27, 2020