The City of Philadelphia is engaged in a legal battle with the Trump administration over a slavery exhibit at Independence National Historic Park. The exhibit, which honors the lives of nine men and women enslaved by George Washington, has been a point of contention between the city and the federal government.

The Dispute

The Trump administration has sought to change the exhibit, citing an executive order aimed at promoting a more positive view of American history. The city has pushed back, arguing that the changes would whitewash the horrors of slavery.

A local guide, Mijuel Johnson, expressed his disappointment with the proposed changes, stating that they do not accurately represent the history of slavery. Johnson argued that the original exhibit was a crucial part of the city’s historical narrative and that the changes would be a disservice to the people who were enslaved.

The Ruling

A panel of three judges recently ruled in favor of the Trump administration, stating that the city no longer has ownership over the President’s House site and that the revised exhibit is ‘full of historical context.’ The ruling has been met with criticism from advocates for the original exhibit, who argue that the changes soften George Washington’s views on slavery.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has pledged to ‘pursue every legal action possible’ to reverse the decision. The city may request the full Third Circuit Court of Appeals to hear the case or appeal to the Supreme Court.

Despite the ruling, local volunteers have taken it upon themselves to share the original exhibit’s content with tourists. They have been reading aloud from binders containing the text of the original missing panels, ensuring that the history of slavery is not forgotten.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.