Legislators in the Albany County Minority Conference acknowledge that while owning slaves was clearly wrong, Philip Schuyler should still be recognized for his life. 

“Philip Schuyler was the greatest patriot New York State produced, and he shouldn’t be deleted from our collective memory despite the fact that he owned slaves," said Legislator Jeff Perlee.

“Unfortunately, during the period of the Revolutionary War, owning slaves was an accepted and common practice,"  Minority Leader Frank Mauriello said. "Philip Schuyler was a war hero and played an immense role in our nation’s founding." 

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik also voiced her opposition, saying that if the statute is removed from Albany, community leaders in Schuylerville will take the statue and highlight his historical contribution in an appropriate way.