The United States government announced that it would be removing Andrew Jackson from the $20 bill. Jackson is being replaced by Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist during the American Civil War. She was responsible for the underground railroad, which helped aid many slaves to freedom.

“I think it’s a great idea, there have been many great women that have shaped our country into what it is today,” said Ben Ciummo, senior, Computer Information Science. “Recognition like this is well deserved and overdue.” 

This is a historic moment for women across the United States as Tubman will be the first woman to appear on a dollar bill. The new design is set to be released by 2020. The Federal Government also announced its plans to change the designs of both the ten and five dollar bills.

It is speculated that Jackson is being removed from the $20 bill because of his unpopular antics during his presidency. He was a slave owner, who was responsible for the Indian Removal Act, which forced Native Americans onto reservations. Many have also been quick to point out the irony of having him on a bill because of the fact that he was not keen on paper currency.

“I feel that Americans are afraid of change, and putting Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill scares people because it’s a new concept,” stated Melissa Tovar, freshman, Criminal Justice.

It seems as if Tovar is not alone in her opinion as there have been various objections to the new design. Others are not as opinionated.

“It doesn’t affect me directly, so I don’t mind. Money is money,” remarks Omar Chavez, senior, Biology major.

Although there is an equal amount of support and backlash, the Federal Government does not seem phased. The plan to remove Jackson is still in place, and only time will tell whether or not the American people will truly accept the new design.