Nebraska State Motto: Equality Before the Law

Equality Before the Law carries clear meaning in English. Phrase states all people deserve equal treatment under legal system. No special privileges for any group. No discrimination based on race or background. Laws apply same way to everyone. Direct statement of democratic principle.

Isaac Wiles proposed two alternative phrases in 1867. First option was Equality Before the Law. Second was Equal Rights for All. Wiles consulted with Elmer S. Dundy before introducing bill. Dundy served as Nebraska Supreme Court associate justice. He later became famous as presiding judge in Standing Bear trial. Dundy preferred Equality Before the Law. Legislature adopted his recommendation.

Nebraska's motto stands unique among 50 states. Only Wyoming uses similar wording with Equal Rights. Both mottos date from post-Civil War 1860s. Both relate to extending political and civil rights previously denied. Black men gained voting rights. Women would wait decades longer. Historical context shaped these unusual state mottos.

Wiles recalled motto origins shortly before death in 1921. He claimed phrase came from land disputes in Missouri River counties. Said it reflected frontier sentiment about equal chance to claim homesteads. Memory deceived the 90-year-old man. Historical evidence points to voting rights controversy as true inspiration. Congressional records and newspaper accounts confirm connection to black male suffrage question.

Nebraska still uses Great Seal designed in 1867. Seal appears on official documents, legal papers, government correspondence. Secretary of State maintains custody. State flag adopted 1925 features seal charged in gold and silver on blue field. Motto circles top portion of seal design. Surrounded by words Great Seal of the State of Nebraska, March 1st, 1867.

Motto gained new relevance in 1892 anniversary celebration. Wiles spoke at 25th statehood observance in Lincoln. He clarified motto meaning for assembled pioneers. Said words meant and should guarantee women the right to vote. Wiles recognized injustice of denying female suffrage. He lived just long enough to see Nineteenth Amendment ratified August 18, 1920.

Historical context reveals motto's true origins. Nebraska Republicans adopted platform resolution April 12, 1866. Declared party owed duty to secure liberty and equality before the law to all men. Phrase appeared verbatim in party documents. Wiles likely attended Plattsmouth convention or read published resolutions. Democrats opposed equal rights. Endorsed President Johnson's whites-only policy.

Nebraska made constitutional history with statehood conditions. First and only state Congress forced to grant black male suffrage through specific mandate. Fifteenth Amendment came later in 1870. Prohibited denial of voting rights based on race or color. Southern states later circumvented amendment through literacy tests and property requirements. Nebraska's 1867 action preceded national constitutional protection.

Nebraska Statutes govern Great Seal specifications. Secretary of State maintains custody per state constitution. Statute describes seal design elements adopted 1867. Steamboat ascending Missouri River on right. Rocky Mountains on left. Train heading toward mountains in background. Smith with hammer and anvil for mechanic arts. Settler's cabin and wheat sheaves for agriculture.

Motto appears at top of seal circle in capital letters. Circle surrounded by words Great Seal of the State of Nebraska, March 1st, 1867. Legislature never adopted Equality Before the Law separately from seal description. Motto exists only as seal element. Pattern mirrors many other states. State flag law requires seal reproduction in gold and silver on national blue field.

What is Nebraska's state motto?

Nebraska's state motto is 'Equality Before the Law,' adopted in 1867 as part of the state seal.

When did Nebraska adopt this motto?

Governor David Butler signed the Great Seal legislation containing the motto on June 14, 1867.

Who proposed Nebraska's motto?

Isaac Wiles, a member of the Nebraska House of Representatives from Plattsmouth, Cass County, proposed the motto.

Why is this motto significant?

The motto addressed voting rights controversy when Congress forced Nebraska to remove its whites-only voting restriction as a condition for statehood.

When did Nebraska become a state?

Nebraska became the 37th state on March 1, 1867, the only state admitted over a presidential veto.

What alternative motto was considered?

Wiles proposed 'Equal Rights for All' as an alternative, but Elmer S. Dundy preferred 'Equality Before the Law.'

Is Nebraska's motto unique?

Yes, only Wyoming has a similar motto with 'Equal Rights.' Both date from the post-Civil War 1860s.

Where does the motto appear?

The motto appears at the top of the Great Seal circle and on the state flag adopted in 1925.