After reports that Capitol Police had stopped children from sledding on the Capitol grounds, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., is taking a stand.  

“Although I understand that sledding has been banned for years, what I do not understand is why the U.S. Capitol Police have recently decided to enforce this Scrooge-like ban,” Norton wrote in a letter sent Tuesday to Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Frank J. Larkin. “Americans should be able to sled on ‘America’s front lawn.’ I am asking that the Capitol Police Board remove the ban on sledding from Capitol Police regulations.” Norton laid out her argument in the letter, pointing out the public can walk and play games on the Capitol grounds. She also noted that sledding will not cause damage to the grounds because it doesn’t snow very often in D.C.  

“I understand that there may be reasonable limits placed on sledding,” Norton wrote, “but an absolute ban on sledding in the little snow the District has on the grounds of the People’s House and the Senate is unseemly and unnecessary.”  

Norton is calling on Larkin to review the issue and report back to her within 30 days. The letter was also copied to House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul D. Irving, Capitol Police Chief Kim C. Dine and Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers.  

Related:

Congressional Grump Blamed for Nixing Hillside Sledding 


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