Controversy Arises Over National Park Exhibit Edits
A legal challenge has been initiated against the Interior Department by Democracy Forward, representing organizations like the National Parks Conservation Association. The dispute revolves around directives allegedly given to park staff to alter or remove educational materials that address topics such as slavery, Indigenous peoples’ displacement, civil rights, and climate change.
Instances highlighted in the lawsuit span several parks across the Mountain West. For example, at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site in Colorado, a sign referencing the “ownership” of enslaved individuals was identified for potential removal. At Glacier National Park in Montana, content about climate change and retreating glaciers was reportedly deleted. Similarly, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona saw the removal of exhibits concerning Native American tribes’ forced relocations.
Other Arizona parks have also encountered similar issues. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument reportedly took down a sign featuring basalt bubbles because it depicted a visitor with a pride flag. At Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, educational materials discussing grazing, climate change, and endangered species were scrutinized. Additionally, a display about Navajo leader Ganado Mucho at the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site was flagged for removal.
The White House has responded to these allegations, asserting that the review of American history exhibits is underway and labeling the lawsuit as “premature” and based on “inaccurate and mischaracterized information.”
Lawsuit advocates maintain that national parks should present a comprehensive narrative of American history, rather than a censored version.
This report is a product of the Mountain West News Bureau, a consortium including KUNR, Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio, Boise State Public Radio, KUNC, KANW, Colorado Public Radio, KJZZ, and NPR, with additional input from affiliated newsrooms throughout the region. Financial support for the Mountain West News Bureau is partially provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Eric and Wendy Schmidt.
