Fact Check: National Parks Conservation Association Criticism of New Signage
What We Know
The National Park Service (NPS) has been instructed by the Department of the Interior to implement new signage across all national parks, asking visitors to report any information they perceive as portraying American history negatively. This directive stems from an executive order by former President Trump aimed at "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" (NPR). The signs encourage public participation in identifying content that "inappropriately disparages Americans past or living" and directs the NPS to focus on the "greatness of the achievements and progress of the American people" (New York Times).
Theresa Pierno, the CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), expressed strong concerns regarding this initiative, stating, "It's pretty dangerous when you start rewriting history... To think that that could be erased or changed because visitors might prefer that story not be told — or not be told accurately — is frightening" (NPR). This sentiment reflects a broader apprehension among historians and advocates about the potential for historical erasure and censorship, particularly regarding sensitive topics such as civil rights and LGBTQ+ history (New York Times).
Analysis
The NPCA's criticism is rooted in the belief that the new signage represents an attempt to sanitize American history, which could lead to the omission of crucial narratives that are essential for understanding the complexities of the nation's past. Pierno's comments highlight the organization's stance that history should not be altered to appease public sentiment, as it risks undermining educational efforts and the integrity of historical representation (NPCA).
The sources cited provide a consistent narrative regarding the intentions behind the new signage. NPR reports that the NPS is required to conduct a review of all public-facing content to ensure it aligns with the new directive, which has raised alarms among historians and advocates for historical accuracy (NPR). Similarly, the New York Times outlines how this initiative could lead to the removal or alteration of content related to significant historical events and figures, thereby jeopardizing the educational mission of the NPS (New York Times).
The NPCA is a credible source in this context, as it is an established nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving national parks and advocating for their proper representation. Their concerns are echoed by various historians and cultural commentators who fear that this initiative could lead to a distorted understanding of American history (NPCA).
Conclusion
The claim that the National Parks Conservation Association criticized the new signage as an attempt to whitewash history and stated that it contradicts crucial scientific and historical facts vetted by experts at the National Park Service is True. The NPCA's leadership has clearly articulated their fears regarding the implications of the new signage, emphasizing the importance of preserving an accurate and comprehensive portrayal of American history.
Sources
- New National Park Service signage asks public to flag negative ... - NPR
- National Parks are told to delete content that ... - The New York Times
- New Park Signs Undermine Rangers, Aim to Erase History - NPCA
- New Order Threatens Park Service's Efforts to Protect and Explore ... - NPCA
- Public Urged To Report National Park Placards That Disparage Americans ... - National Parks Traveler
- Why signs asking national parks visitors to report 'negative' historic ... - KUNC
- Interior secretary orders signs to flag negative depictions of U.S - Denver7
- NPS parks get instructions on removing signs that depict 'negative' history - E&E News