Tubman’s Removal: The Bigger Story Behind the Outcry
Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash
In a recent and unsettling development, the National Park Service (NPS) made silent alterations to its official website, specifically to the section dedicated to the Underground Railroad. Notably, the prominent image of Harriet Tubman, a central figure in the fight against slavery, was removed. Accompanying her image had been a powerful quote highlighting her role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. These were replaced with postage stamps depicting “Black/white cooperation” and revised text that emphasized themes of unity and freedom, subtly downplaying the harsh realities of slavery.
This quiet revision did not go unnoticed. Historians, civil rights advocates, and organizations like the National Parks Conservation Association quickly voiced their concerns. The swift backlash prompted the NPS to restore the original content. Rachel Pawlitz, an NPS spokesperson, clarified that the changes were made without the approval of NPS or Department leadership and that the webpage was promptly reverted to its original state.
The Broader Context of DEI Rollbacks
The incident involving Harriet Tubman‘s removal is not isolated. It aligns with a series of actions taken under President Donald Trump’s administration aimed at dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies. Shortly after taking office, President Trump signed multiple executive orders targeting DEI programs, labeling them as discriminatory and advocating for a return to “merit-based” systems.
One such order, Executive Order 14173, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” revoked several previous directives that had promoted inclusive hiring practices among federal contractors. This move effectively eliminated protections against discrimination based on race, gender identity, and sexual orientation in federal employment and contracting.
Furthermore, the administration directed the immediate shutdown of DEI offices within federal agencies, placing staff on administrative leave and mandating the removal of DEI-related content from official websites. These actions have raised alarms among civil rights organizations, which view them as efforts to erase the contributions and struggles of marginalized communities from the national narrative.
The Significance of Tubman’s Legacy
Harriet Tubman’s life and work are emblematic of resistance against oppression. Born into slavery, she escaped and subsequently risked her life repeatedly to lead others to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Her actions were not merely symbolic; they were direct challenges to the institution of slavery and the laws that upheld it.
By removing Tubman’s image and words from the NPS website, the revised content attempted to recast the Underground Railroad as a harmonious collaboration, rather than a radical act of defiance against systemic injustice. This reframing diminishes the agency and bravery of those who fought for freedom and obscures the true nature of their struggle.
The Implications of Sanitizing History
Altering historical narratives to present a more palatable version of events has profound implications. It not only disrespects the experiences of those who lived through these times but also deprives future generations of the opportunity to learn from the past. Sanitized histories can lead to a misunderstanding of present-day social dynamics and hinder efforts toward genuine equity and justice.
The removal and subsequent restoration of Tubman’s presence on the NPS website serve as a microcosm of the broader tensions surrounding historical memory in the United States. They highlight the ongoing debates over how history is taught, commemorated, and understood in the public sphere.
Upholding Historical Integrity
The swift public response to the NPS’s changes underscores the importance of vigilance in preserving historical integrity. It is crucial for institutions to present comprehensive and accurate accounts of history, acknowledging both the nation’s achievements and its transgressions.
As discussions about DEI initiatives and historical representation continue, it is imperative to ensure that the stories of individuals like Harriet Tubman remain central to our collective memory. Their legacies offer valuable lessons on courage, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.
