The Concrete Cross Controversy on Skinner Butte in Eugene, Oregon
The concrete cross erected on Skinner Butte in Eugene, Oregon, in the 1950s has long been a contentious issue. Originally installed by the local Christian community as a symbol of faith, it has since sparked debates and legal battles regarding the separation of church and state.
Initial Installation and Controversy
Origins and Purpose: The concrete cross was first placed on Skinner Butte in 1957 by the local Christian community, marking it as a symbol of faith and community identity. However, its significance soon turned controversial due to its location on public land, leading to a drawn-out legal battle in the 1980s.
Legal Battles and Removal
Lawsuit and U.S. Ninth Circuit Court Decision: In 1980, a lawsuit was filed challenging the cross's presence on public land, resulting in a protracted legal process. In 2009, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the cross violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, arguing that its presence on public property was unconstitutional.
Removal and Aftermath
Removal and Relocation: In 2010, the City of Eugene decided to remove the cross, which was subsequently relocated to a private property owned by a local church. Since then, discussions about the presence of religious symbols on public land have continued, reflecting broader debates about the role of religion in public spaces.
Incident of Civil Disruption
Potential Defense and Conflict: On June 12, 1997, the cross was removed, but a Vietnam veteran attempted to prevent its removal. He had a shotgun tied to his chin, the trigger taped to his hand, declaring he would not let the cross be removed. This action highlighted the tensions present in the community, with the cross being declared a war memorial by a city referendum in the past.
Historical and Political Context
Historical Significance: Installed initially as a cross by Eugene Sand and Gravel without a permit, it was later designated a war memorial by a city referendum. Conflicts regarding its religious symbol status were further served by court decisions, including a 1976 ruling by the Oregon Supreme Court, which declared the cross a war memorial rather than a religious symbol.
Public Reactions and Replacements
Public Reactions: Public reactions towards the cross were mixed, with environmental activists protesting and a military veteran defending it. The city manager's authority over police played a role in the removal process, leading to a debate about the city's relationship with different community groups and activists.
Current Situation and Broader Debates
Beyond the Cross: After its removal in 1997, the cross was relocated to Eugene Bible College, now New Hope Christian College. The incident reflects broader debates about religion in public spaces and the role of controversial symbols in community discourse. The cross's history connects Eugene's past to ongoing debates about religious freedom and public spaces.
Understanding the concrete cross controversy on Skinner Butte in Eugene, Oregon, involves examining the deeper historical, political, and social context that has shaped this unique corner of public life.