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Smithsonian Air and Space Museum responds to House Republicans demanding answers for booting pro-life students
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch said that the guards were acting out of a mistake, and not deliberate violation, and would not be subject to disciplinary action.
By Matteo Cina | Fox News
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum responded to House Republicans' demands for answers following the expulsion of a group of students for wearing pro-life hats. Security guards at the museum, which houses the Wright Flyer, the Hubble Space Telescope's twin, thousands of other artifacts, and celebrates American achievements in aeronautics and space, kicked the students out of the taxpayer-supported facility earlier this month.
"This was an aberration and not reflective of Smithsonian values and practice of welcoming all visitors regardless of viewpoint," Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III said. "Visitors are not to be denied access based on messages on their clothing, and an error was made in this regard on January 20, 2023."
When asked whether disciplinary action would be taken, Bunch responded, "The instruction to visitors to remove their pro-life hats was a mistake – a misinterpretation of what was permissible. It was not a willful violation."
"We welcome all visitors without regard to their beliefs. Visitors may wear hats and other types of clothing with messages so long as their conduct is otherwise in compliance with Smithsonian policy," Bunch responded when asked if the Smithsonian has policies against pro-life beliefs. "The Smithsonian does not allow demonstrations in the Smithsonian museums, including the carrying of placards, signs, and banners, regardless of the viewpoint of the demonstrations. Participants in demonstrations on the National Mall, however, are always welcome to enter Smithsonian buildings for museum purposes."
Reps. Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., penned the letter along with over two dozen Republicans, including Reps. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, and Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., demanding answers from the Smithsonian.
"The Smithsonian has publicly acknowledged its employees' wrongdoing, instituted refresher training, and taken immediate corrective action to remedy the situation and claims it will not happen again," Roy told Fox News Digital. "Congress will need to continue proper oversight of the Smithsonian and ensure that all Americans are welcome at the Air and Space Museum."
Sens. Tim Scott, R-S.C., Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Rick Scott, R-Fla., Mike Lee, R-Utah, Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Steve Daines, R-Mont., Roger Wicker, R-Miss., James Lankford, R-Okla., and Mitt Romney, R-Utah, led the effort in the Senate.