Sterilization highway marker recalls dark days in state’s past

Opinion

June 30, 2009

Anonymous The Daily Southerner Tue Jun 30, 2009, 10:35 AM EDT

The vast majority of the state’s more than 1,500 road markers commemorate a positive chapter in our history. But it’s equally important not to sweep aside the bleaker ones.

The silver and black sign unveiled June 22 in downtown Raleigh focuses attention on a state-sanctioned program that unjustly sterilized more than 7,600 people. It cites a sin for which full amends have yet to be made.

Under the guise of science and initially pushed by prominent citizens with a racial agenda, the state eugenics board between 1929 and 1974 authorized thousands of sterilizations on the flawed premise of fighting mental illness and genetic defects.

At mid-century, more than 30 states had such ill-conceived programs. However, North Carolina’s grew to be one of the largest and flourished while others were abandoned as public pressure mounted and enlightened medical research emerged.

In this state, the story is particularly egregious. At least 2,000 people age 18 and younger were sterilized, often despite parental objections and based on only cursory investigation by overzealous social workers or IQ tests.

Then-Gov. Mike Easley apologized in 2002 for the state’s role in what he called a “sad and regrettable chapter that must never be repeated.” And two years ago, the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh opened an exhibit examining this dark period.

Even so, the final words haven’t been spoken. A bill seeking reparations for the 2,800 sterilization victims alive today languishes in the legislature. While each would be compensated $20,000, the state’s budget woes have sidetracked, for now, the initiative.

Rep. Larry Womble, D-Forsyth, who spearheads the fight for redress, has said the marker near where the eugenics board met is but a symbolic gesture. At the same time, it is a reminder that this piece of unfinished, sordid business still awaits a just conclusion.

— The News & Record, Greensboro

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