Federal Judge Rebukes Trump Administration for Removing Slavery Exhibit

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A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore panels at the President's House in Philadelphia that discussed 'The Dirty Business of Slavery'. The judge wrote that an agency 'cannot arbitrarily decide what is true, based on its own whims or the whims of the new leadership', citing George Orwell. This is the latest clash in the administration's efforts to whitewash Black history and remove references to slavery from federally funded institutions.

Why it matters

The case highlights the administration's antagonistic approach to Black history, which experts say is an attempt to distort and erase the role, contributions, and experiences of Black Americans. Removing references to slavery allows the administration to tell a 'clean' narrative about America's founding that avoids the uncomfortable truths about figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. This raises concerns about the administration's broader efforts to rewrite history and the impact on how Americans understand their country's past.

The details

In three separate incidents since July, police said 45-year-old San Francisco resident Walker Reed Quinn has been damaging Waymo autonomous vehicles by removing and swinging his belt, placing a cone on the dome and sensors, damaging tires and mirrors, and stomping on the windshield. Quinn has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.

• On July 4, Quinn allegedly dove onto the hood of a Waymo vehicle and covered sensors.
• On July 29, Quinn allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
• On August 11, Quinn allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.