Huntsville Council rescinds decision to accept the statue of Gandhi

Councillors expressed that they had gotten it wrong and promised to learn a lesson from the experience

Huntsville Council rescinded their original decision to accept the statue of Gandhi, in a special meeting on December 3, 2025.

Mayor, Nancy Alcock, said that although the 6-foot bronze statue was initially accepted as a gesture towards diversity, unity and peace, in the November meeting, and was subject to the art policy, resident feedback has changed their decision.

She added, “Public art is part of the identity of Huntsville which was pointed out on numerous occasions… [However], it is clear to me based on a variety of feedback received on the statue process that Huntsville is not in a position to accept this donation.”

Councillor, Bob Stone, expressed that he had “the best intentions” regarding his decision in the last meeting, however, the past week has clarified that “we made a mistake and should have gone to public consultation.”

Councillor, Cory Clarke, said he stood by his comments from the previous meeting “opposing the donation.”

He added, “Residents made it clear it was a bad decision. We need to show better leadership… We need to make better choices.”

Councillor, Scott Morrison, said, “We have to admit we screwed up,” regarding not having a public consultation first.

He added that the initial decision was made with good intentions, but “the consultation process was poor.” He added, “We’ve learned our lesson from that, and that’s our jobs as Councillors, to serve the people that have reached out to us.”

Morrison continued that he received a lot of feedback. “There have been some emails and comments that were offside that I didn’t pay much attention to because that’s not what our town is all about,” but rather he paid attention to “well thought out and relevant comments.”

He added that immigration has been a part of what has built the Town. “People from all different countries that came made Huntsville the Town that it is. It’s no different now.”

Councillor, Dione Schumacher, also admitted that Council “made a mistake” with their prior decision and said she’s glad to be reviewing the art process.” She suggested they look at other donations and gifts they’ve received as well “because as we know a free dog is not a free dog.”

She also shared that her father came to Huntsville from Germany in 1953 and faced being spit on and beaten up “and learned that Huntsville doesn’t accept differences.” She said her goal is that we as a community change that view and that we are accepting of people who have made this Town of Huntsville a great place to live.”

Councillor, Helena Renwick, said, “I’m deeply disappointed that the conversation around this statue has been marred by voices of racism and bigotry. Such negativity does not reflect the spirit of Huntsville, nor the values of respect and inclusivity that we strive to uphold.”

She added that she’s “committed to ensuring public art civic spaces reflect unity rather than division.”

“I’m grateful to the donor for the gift of the statue and for the spirit of generosity it represents,” said Renwick.

She continued she has talked to community members that reached out to her “who’s opinions that they expressed in a very respectful, intellectual…and thoughtful manner.”