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The National Park Service (NPS) has reinstated abolitionist Harriet Tubman to its “What is the Underground Railroad?” webpage following sharp public criticism and internal review. The restoration comes after the page was quietly altered in early February, removing Tubman’s image and quotes, and softening language around slavery and resistance.
The changes were first documented by the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine and brought to light by a Washington Post investigation. Previously, the NPS page prominently featured a photograph of Tubman and a quote underscoring her role in leading enslaved people to freedom. The altered version replaced her with a collage of U.S. Postal Service stamps and shifted the narrative to focus on “Black/White Cooperation,” emphasizing unity over resistance.
Mentions of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, and historical materials depicting the struggle for freedom were also removed. The revised language described the Underground Railroad as a symbol of bridging divides, rather than an organized effort of enslaved peoples resisting bondage through escape.
Public figures and civil rights advocates quickly condemned the move. “Tubman’s legacy and the resistance of enslaved people must never be diminished,” civil rights attorney Ben Crump wrote on X. Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., called the changes “an attack on truth” and “a refusal to be uncomfortable and engaged in changing harmful policies and practices.”
Actress Viola Davis, who is set to portray Tubman in an upcoming HBO biopic, criticized the revision on Instagram, writing: “Really?!! Harriet Tubman?!! Elevating this icon of American history is being diminished?!!! Erased?! Man… Lord… give us STRENGTH!!!!”
In a statement, the National Park Service confirmed the reversal: “Changes to the Underground Railroad page… were made without approval from NPS leadership nor Department leadership. The webpage was immediately restored to its original content.”
Anonymous NPS staffers told the Washington Post that the changes stemmed from a Trump administration push to eliminate references to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across government websites. These changes were reportedly recommended by political appointees and submitted to senior officials for review.
The controversy highlights broader efforts by the Trump administration to roll back DEI initiatives across federal agencies. Recent reports revealed similar removals at the Department of Defense, including erasures of Jackie Robinson’s military service.
As of now, Harriet Tubman’s central place on the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad webpage has been reinstated, though the incident raises ongoing questions about historical representation and political influence in federal education materials.
