The National Park Service (NPS) has taken steps to restore its webpage about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad after facing significant public backlash. Initially, edits had been made without the approval of NPS leadership or the Department of the Interior, as confirmed by NPS representative Rachel Pawlitz.
The adjustments included the removal of Tubman’s image and changes to the text, which diluted references to slavery. For instance, the original page highlighted the Underground Railroad’s vital role in the fight against slavery, whereas the edited version described it merely as a part of the American civil rights movement.
This incident is tied to broader initiatives by the Trump administration, which is pushing back against what it calls “diversity, equity, and inclusion” policies in government. As part of these initiatives, there have been attempts to amend or eliminate content that is seen as ideologically driven.
Trump’s focus has extended to the Smithsonian museums, with Vice President JD Vance tasked to review and potentially revise the narratives presented, which the administration deems to contain “improper ideology.” In recent times, controversies have arisen over the Pentagon’s removal of historical content related to notable figures like the Navajo Code Talkers and Jackie Robinson, only to have those pages restored after public outcry.
When the edits concerning Harriet Tubman were first reported, NPS officials stated there was no intent to lessen her historical significance. “We honor her legacy and commitment to freedom,” Pawlitz stated, emphasizing the importance of accurately portraying history, even when it is complex and uncomfortable.
Civil rights advocates have expressed serious concerns over the changes, viewing them as an attempt to alter or erase historical truths. Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., voiced that such edits are an “attack on truth” that would hinder society’s ability to learn from its past.
