Erasing Slavery From National Parks: Why History Matters
In 1863, a photograph known as The Scourged Back stunned the nation. It showed Peter Gordon, an enslaved man who had escaped in Louisiana, with his back deeply scarred from years of whipping. The image became a catalyst for abolition, proof that slavery’s brutality could no longer be denied.
Today, that same image—and others like it—are being ordered removed from national park exhibits. Rangers are told to cover up references to slavery, hostility toward those who escaped, and even the record of George Washington enslaving nine people in Philadelphia. The directive is to present a “brighter” history.
When History Becomes Inconvenient
This isn’t an isolated action. Across agencies, we are seeing efforts to dismantle DEI programs, limit discussion of race and privilege, and rewrite workplace culture. Pair that with rhetoric from administration allies who dismiss systemic racism and indulge in racially charged stereotypes, and the pattern becomes unmistakable: uncomfortable truths are being scrubbed, not studied.
For federal employees, this raises more than a historical question. It is about workplace values and the integrity of public service. If the government can erase history in national parks, what stops it from erasing workplace training, employee protections, or records of discriminatory practices?
Whose Discomfort Counts?
The central issue is discomfort. Whose discomfort are we protecting? Some argue that discussing slavery or systemic racism induces guilt in white Americans. But erasing the record creates a deeper harm. It denies truth to all Americans—especially to Black Americans whose ancestors lived this reality.
In law, discomfort has never been a justification for silencing speech or erasing evidence. In mindfulness, too, discomfort is not an enemy—it is a signal. It asks us to pause, notice, and respond wisely. Covering up scars—whether on Peter Gordon’s back or in our collective history—doesn’t make them disappear. It only ensures that the lesson is lost.
The Risk of Forgetting
History’s warnings matter. Federal employees know this in another context: due process rights, prohibited personnel practices, and civil service protections exist precisely because past abuses were documented and addressed. If those records had been erased, those protections would not exist.
Removing slavery from our national narrative doesn’t strengthen patriotism. It weakens it. True patriotism has room for complexity—for pride in progress alongside honesty about pain.
A Call to Remember
As a civil rights attorney, I urge you: don’t let history be erased because it is uncomfortable. Discomfort is the price of truth, and truth is what prevents repetition of injustice. For those seeking deeper discussion on federal workplace rights and the law, we offer ongoing analysis through our Power Hub.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.