A coalition of public lands advocates and historians has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that it is censoring American history and science at national parks across the country.
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cpr.orgThe lawsuit, spearheaded by Democracy Forward on behalf of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and other groups, challenges a directive from the Interior Department that reportedly instructs park staff to remove or edit materials discussing slavery, Indigenous displacement, civil rights, and climate change.
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cpr.orgkoaa.comThe complaint cites numerous instances of this alleged censorship, particularly at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site in southeastern Colorado, where a sign outlining a family's "ownership" of enslaved people was flagged for removal.
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cpr.orgSimilar actions have been reported at Glacier National Park in Montana, where references to climate change and melting glaciers were reportedly eliminated.
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koaa.comAt Grand Canyon National Park, exhibits detailing the forced removal of Native tribes were also noted as being taken down.
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cpr.orgOther parks have faced scrutiny as well.For instance, at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument in Arizona, a sign featuring a visitor holding a pride flag was removed.
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cpr.orgAdditionally, materials discussing grazing, climate change, and endangered species were flagged at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, while a panel about the Navajo leader Ganado Mucho was marked for removal at Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site.
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cpr.orgThese actions have raised concerns among advocates who argue that national parks should convey the complete American story rather than a filtered version.
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koaa.comIn response to the lawsuit, the White House described the claims as "premature" and based on "inaccurate and mischaracterized information." The administration has argued that it is reviewing American history exhibits to ensure they present a balanced view.
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cpr.orgHowever, supporters of the lawsuit contend that the removal of these materials undermines the educational purpose of national parks, which function as historical classrooms for the public.
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koaa.comThe lawsuit stems from an executive order issued by President Trump last year, titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," which directed the Department of the Interior to ensure that national park sites highlight the achievements and progress of the American people.
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koaa.comThis led to further directives from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, which instructed National Park Service (NPS) employees to identify and replace content that could be perceived as negative about American history.
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koaa.comThe implications of these orders have already manifested in several parks, including the removal of a display about George Washington's ownership of slaves at Independence Mall in Philadelphia.
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koaa.comA federal judge has since ruled that the panels on slavery must be restored, although the administration is appealing this decision.
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koaa.comCritics of the administration's actions, including Tracy Coppola, the Colorado Senior Program Manager at NPCA, have stated that suppressing historical truths poses a significant threat to democracy.
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koaa.comCoppola emphasized that national parks should not shy away from discussing the darker aspects of American history, noting widespread public support for maintaining factual educational content at these sites.
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koaa.comThe lawsuit seeks to vacate Secretary Burgum's directive and restore any interpretive materials that have been altered or removed from national parks.
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koaa.comWhile the NPS and the Department of the Interior have not yet commented on the lawsuit, the NPCA has raised alarms about the future of numerous historical sites, particularly those detailing America's more troubling past, such as the Sand Creek Massacre and Amache National Historic Sites.
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koaa.comAs the legal battle unfolds, advocates remain vigilant, urging the administration to recognize the importance of preserving a comprehensive narrative of American history within the national parks, arguing that this is essential for educating future generations.
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koaa.comThe outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for how history is presented in these treasured landscapes, highlighting the ongoing struggle between historical accuracy and political narratives.
