Eleanor Holmes Norton Urges Lift of Capitol Sledding Ban

(Updated at 1:30 p.m.) Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton is fighting for D.C. kids’ right to sled near the Capitol.

Calling the sledding ban enforced last week “Scrooge-like,” Norton is urging the U.S. Capitol Police board to overturn the prohibition on sledding on the Capitol grounds.

“Americans should be able to sled on America’s front lawn,” she wrote to Capitol Police board chairman Frank Larkin. “Because of high residential density, there are few places to sled in the city, and the grounds of the U.S. Capitol … provide a perfect sledding venue.”

Previously ignored, the sledding ban that dates back to the early ’80s, according to Norton’s office, was enforced Tuesday, Feb. 17. Capitol Police reportedly shooed away would-be sledders, The Wall Street Journal reported. A “Congressional grump” is to blame for requesting enforcement of the ban, a source told Roll Call.

Norton asked that Capitol Police review the ban within 30 days.

Photo via Flickr/smarta