PHILADELPHIA — A federal judge warned Justice Department lawyers on Friday that they were making “dangerous” and “chilling” statements when they said the Trump administration could decide what part of American history will be displayed at National Park Service sites.
The heated exchange erupted during a hearing in Philadelphia over the sudden incident removal from displays About the history of slavery at the site of the former president’s home in Independence Mall.
The city, which worked alongside the Park Service on the exhibit two decades ago, was surprised to find workers this month using crowbars to remove outdoor plaques, panels and other materials that tell the stories of the nine people who were enslaved there. Some of the history was only discovered in the past quarter century.
“You can’t erase history once you learn it,” said Cynthia Roof, a senior U.S. District Judge appointed by President George W. Bush. “It doesn’t work that way.”
The removal followed President Donald Trump’s executive order to “restore truth and sanity to American history” at the country’s museums, parks and monuments. In Philadelphia, the materials were placed in a pickup truck and then stored, prompting Roof to express concerns about whether they had been damaged.
“Although a lot of people feel strongly about this (proposal) in one way, other people may disagree or feel strongly in another way,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory N. den Berken said.
“Ultimately, the government has to choose the message it wants to convey,” he said.
Roof quickly cut him off.
“That’s a dangerous statement you’re making. It’s terrifying to listen to,” she said. “It changes at the whim of the person in charge? I’m sorry, that’s not what we elected anyone for.”
Roof heard hours of testimony Friday from former city officials who helped plan the fair, and who said the city had allocated $1.5 million for the project. She plans to visit the storage area and site before ruling on the city’s request to restore the exhibit. But she asked Justice Department lawyers to make sure nothing else was disturbed.
In den Berken said the park service routinely changes its exhibits and rides, and argued that the government cannot be forced to tell a particular story. But city attorneys and other advocates said the park service does not have “carte blanche” to interpret the country’s history as it sees fit.
The exhibit includes biographical details of the nine people who were enslaved by George and Martha Washington at the presidential palace. Now, all that remains is their names – Austin, Paris, Hercules, Christopher Shiels, Richmond, Giles, Onie Judge, Mole, and Joe – etched on a cement wall.
Michael Coward, an attorney representing one of the rights groups supporting the expo, said the president is ignoring the power of Congress, the judiciary and the American people.
“It’s one thing to whisper that kind of dictatorial power,” he said. “But sending lawyers into a public courtroom to make that argument is very scary.” “I’m really worried about the situation in America.”
Roof said she plans to rule quickly, citing an increase in the number of visitors expected to visit the country’s birthplace this year to celebrate its 250th anniversary.
Residents who visited the site shed tears, left flowers and left a handmade sign saying “Slavery was real.”