1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

The federal government's actions to remove and alter webpages related to LGBTQ history on the National Park Service (NPS) website are deeply concerning and unacceptable. This revisionist approach to erase transgender activists and historical figures from the public record is a blatant attempt to whitewash and rewrite history. Transgender individuals like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera played pivotal roles in the Stonewall Uprising, a seminal event in the LGBTQ rights movement. By deleting references to their gender identities and contributions, the NPS is undermining its own mission to preserve and interpret the stories that have shaped our nation. This censorship disproportionately targets Black LGBTQ spaces and activists, compounding the erasure of marginalized communities from the historical narrative. Such actions set a dangerous precedent and impede our ability to learn from and appreciate the diversity of experiences that have enriched American history. The removal of educational materials not only hinders the NPS staff from fulfilling their obligations but also deprives the public of access to accurate and inclusive information. This shortsighted approach undermines the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and intellectual freedom that are fundamental to a democratic society. I urge the federal government to immediately restore the deleted webpages and materials related to LGBTQ history on the NPS website. Our nation's history belongs to all its people, and attempts to erase or distort it for ideological reasons are unacceptable. The NPS should uphold its responsibility to present an honest and comprehensive account of our shared past, embracing the rich tapestry of identities and contributions that have shaped the American experience.