Judge: DOJ's statements on slavery exhibit display 'dangerous' & 'horrifying'
6 days ago
- #slavery-exhibit
- #historical-interpretation
- #judicial-criticism
- A federal judge criticized Justice Department lawyers for their 'dangerous' and 'horrifying' statements regarding the Trump Administration's authority over historical displays at National Park Service sites.
- The dispute arose from the removal of an exhibit on slavery at the President’s House site in Philadelphia, which included stories of nine enslaved individuals.
- Judge Cynthia Rufe emphasized that history cannot be erased once learned and expressed concerns about potential damage to the removed materials.
- The removal followed President Trump’s executive order aimed at 'restoring truth and sanity to American history' at museums and parks.
- Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory in den Berken argued that the government has the right to choose its message, a stance the judge strongly rebuked.
- Former city officials testified about their involvement in the exhibit, highlighting the city's $1.5 million contribution to the project.
- Advocates argued that the Park Service does not have unlimited authority to interpret history, with concerns raised about dictatorial overreach.
- The exhibit details the lives of nine enslaved individuals at George and Martha Washington’s presidential mansion, with their names remaining engraved on a wall.
- Judge Rufe plans to rule quickly, considering the upcoming 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding and expected visitor surge.