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Sumter Today
By the People, for the People
Coalition Sues to Block Removal of History, Science Displays from US National Parks
Lawsuit alleges Interior Department order violates federal laws governing National Park Service
Published on Feb. 20, 2026
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A coalition of six conservation and education organizations has sued the US Department of the Interior, challenging a policy that has led to the removal of exhibits about slavery, climate change, and Indigenous history from national parks across the country. The lawsuit alleges that the Interior Department's order, issued in 2025, violated multiple federal statutes and was arbitrary and capricious.
Why it matters
The National Park Service manages over 430 sites across the United States, serving as the country's primary public vehicle for preserving and interpreting American history and natural heritage. The removal of these educational displays has raised concerns about the whitewashing of history and science in national parks.
The details
In March 2025, former President Trump signed an executive order titled 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,' directing the Interior Department to ensure that displays at federal sites do not 'inappropriately disparage Americans past or living' and instead emphasize national achievements and the 'beauty, abundance, and grandeur' of natural landscapes. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum then issued an order in May 2025 setting timelines for park staff to review and remove any noncompliant interpretive materials.
- In March 2025, former President Trump signed an executive order.
- In May 2025, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued an order setting timelines for park staff to review and remove noncompliant interpretive materials.
The players
US Department of the Interior
The federal agency that oversees the National Park Service and other public lands.
Doug Burgum
The Interior Secretary who issued the order to remove certain interpretive displays from national parks.
National Parks Conservation Association
One of the six conservation and education organizations that filed the lawsuit against the Interior Department.
What’s next
The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts, seeks a court order declaring the secretary's order unlawful, halting further removals, and restoring materials to their pre-order condition.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing debate over how to accurately and inclusively present American history and science in the nation's public lands and landmarks, with concerns that the current administration's policies are prioritizing a selective, nationalist narrative over a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the past and present.
