Taney Scholars Putting Dred Scott Ruling In Context

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- Some history scholars are offering Frederick residents a variety of perspectives on the Supreme Court chief justice who wrote the 1857 Dred Scott decision affirming slavery.

The Historical Society of Frederick County is sponsoring the symposium Friday on "The Many Layers of Roger Brooke Taney."

The event coincides with a dispute over a bust of Taney that stands outside City Hall.

Alderwoman Donna Kuzemchak is leading an effort to have the statue moved to another location, such as a museum, because she and others consider it offensive. Opponents say removing the sculpture would erase part of Frederick's history. Taney practiced law in the city.

The Board of Aldermen was scheduled to vote on the matter this week, but Kuzemchak postponed the vote until after the symposium.

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