The Statue of Liberty was given to the United States by France in 1885, and it stands in New York Harbor as a welcome to all visitors, immigrants, and returning Americans. This copper statue is one of the most recognizable icons of the United States worldwide, and it is a symbol of liberty and escape from oppression to freedom. For over a century, the Statue of Liberty stood bravely extolling the American values to the world. Now, however, it doesn’t seem our lady of liberty stands quite so boldly.

Since the terrorist attacks on America a little over five years ago, access to the statue has been severely limited. The interior of the landmark was completely closed for nearly three years following September 11, but in 2004, the National Park Service reopened parts of the complex, though only allowing visitors to go as high as the pedestal on which Lady Liberty stands. The Park Service said letting people climb the cramped spiral staircase again is simply too hazardous, due to risks from fire and terrorism.

In Charita Goshay’s “This ‘n’ that: Statue of Liberty should remain a beacon of freedom to the world,” she writes, “…the National Park Service’s recent decision to keep closed the crown of the Statue of Liberty is disheartening. Officials say concerns about overall safety, but particularly terrorism, were factors. Wanting to ensure public safety is understandable, but what message does it send to the world that the single greatest public symbol of freedom isn’t exactly, well, free?”

Senator Charles Schumer also has concerns, “In this case, freedom has given way to fear,” said Schumer, D-N.Y. “One of my favorite memories as a child was going up to the top of the Statue of Liberty and looking out of her crown to what I thought were the ends of the earth. Now, generations of kids and adults will be denied that opportunity.” New York State Rep. Anthony Weiner called it “the final victory of the terrorists on Sept. 11.”

Is the Statue of Liberty still a symbol of freedom or has it been deprived of its very meaning?