In a significant move, conservationists and historical organizations have taken legal action against the Trump administration. They argue that recent National Park Service policies are erasing important parts of American history and science from national parks.
A lawsuit filed in Boston claims that directives from President Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have led to the removal or censorship of exhibits presenting factual aspects of U.S. history, including topics like slavery and climate change.
Moreover, LGBTQ+ rights advocates have also initiated a lawsuit concerning the removal of a rainbow Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument in New York. This site is pivotal in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, and its flag represented a significant moment in history.
The backlash came after an executive order aimed at “restoring truth” in the nation’s museums and parks. The order directed the Interior Department to ensure that exhibits do not portray elements that could be perceived as disparaging to the country or its citizens. Following this directive, ICE and other federal agencies identified multiple exhibits for removal, citing them as improper partisan ideology.
This federal campaign has reportedly intensified in recent weeks, leading to the removal of exhibits discussing slavery, civil rights, and climate science—key elements of the American experience. The groups behind the lawsuit emphasize that these actions suppress crucial narratives about American history.
Among the prominent cases is a federal judge’s ruling that reinstates an exhibit related to the nine enslaved people who lived with George Washington in Philadelphia during the 1790s. This case highlights the ongoing debate about how history is represented and interpreted in public spaces.
As of now, nearly 80 items along the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail in Alabama are flagged for removal. Signage discussing Native American treatment in the Grand Canyon and the impacts of climate change in Glacier National Park have also been targeted. Alan Spears, a senior director at the National Parks Conservation Association, highlighted that erasing this history poses risks to the legacy of national parks as “living classrooms” for citizens.
Recent data supports the significant public interest in historical accuracy within national parks. A study by the Pew Research Center found that 78% of Americans believe national parks should reflect a full accounting of the country’s history, including difficult topics.
Critics argue that historical narratives need to convey both triumphs and tragedies. Jeff Mow, former superintendent at Glacier National Park, expressed that Trump’s order undermines the park service’s commitment to scholarly truth, complicating the responsibilities of those tasked with sharing America’s story.
While the Interior Department claims the lawsuit is premature and based on misunderstood information, the legal battles continue to unfold. It’s a stark reminder that the conversation around history, science, and how they are presented is ongoing and critical to societal understanding.
Ultimately, as public interest grows, the struggle for historical representation in national parks brings forth questions about identity, memory, and the narratives we embrace as a nation. As Alan Spears put it, “We can handle the truth.”
