Fact Check: The National Parks Conservation Association's president, Theresa Pierno, stated that rangers should be able to discuss historical topics such as Japanese American incarceration and slavery without fear of repercussions from the new signage.

Fact Check: "The National Parks Conservation Association's president, Theresa Pierno, stated that rangers should be able to discuss historical topics such as Japanese American incarceration and slavery without fear of repercussions from the new signage."

What We Know

Theresa Pierno, the president and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), has publicly criticized new signage implemented by the Department of the Interior at national parks. These signs encourage visitors to report any "negative" information about past or living Americans, which Pierno argues undermines the ability of rangers to discuss important historical topics, including Japanese American incarceration and slavery. In her statement, Pierno emphasized that rangers should be able to discuss these subjects "without looking over their shoulders in fear" (source-1).

The new signs are part of a broader directive from the Trump administration aimed at revising how American history is presented in national parks. This directive has been met with significant backlash from various conservation and historical organizations, including the NPCA, which asserts that the signs could create a chilling effect on the ability of rangers to convey the full scope of American history (source-2).

Analysis

The claim that Theresa Pierno stated rangers should be able to discuss historical topics like Japanese American incarceration and slavery without fear of repercussions is supported by her direct quotes in multiple sources. For instance, she explicitly stated that "rangers should be able to talk about the history of Japanese American incarceration at Amache, or the history of slavery at Fort Monroe, without looking over their shoulders in fear" (source-4). This statement reflects her concern that the new signage could deter rangers from discussing these critical aspects of American history.

The NPCA, under Pierno's leadership, has a long-standing history of advocating for the preservation and accurate representation of American history in national parks. The organization has expressed that the new signage represents an attempt to rewrite history by discouraging discussions of its darker chapters (source-1). The credibility of the NPCA is bolstered by its nearly century-long commitment to protecting national parks and its nonpartisan stance, which lends weight to Pierno's assertions (source-2).

However, it is important to note that the sources reporting on Pierno's statements are primarily from the NPCA and other advocacy groups, which may introduce a degree of bias. Nonetheless, the consistency of her statements across multiple platforms reinforces their reliability.

Conclusion

The claim that Theresa Pierno stated rangers should be able to discuss historical topics such as Japanese American incarceration and slavery without fear of repercussions from the new signage is True. Pierno's statements clearly articulate her position against the new signage and its potential impact on historical discourse within national parks.

Sources

1. New Park Signs Undermine Rangers, Aim to Erase History
2. New Order Threatens Park Service's Efforts to Protect and Explore ...
3. Expert Q&A with NPCA President Theresa Pierno - Rachel's Network
4. National Parks Ask Guests To Report "Negative" Historical ...
5. Trump Administration Enlisting National Parks Into the Republican ...
6. National Parks Conservation Association's Theresa Pierno to discuss ...
7. National park visitors to be encouraged to report 'negative ...
8. New Rule Forces Parks to Flag Any 'Negative' Stories About America