Harrisburg, PA — The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) today issued a strong response to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s decision to dismantle and remove the slavery exhibit at the President’s House site within Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. The exhibit documented the lives of the nine enslaved Africans held by President George Washington while Philadelphia served as the nation’s capital.
“The removal of this exhibit represents a profound misstep in how our nation confronts and interprets its history,” said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. “Exhibits that acknowledge the full truth of slavery are not divisive. They are essential to understanding the depth and complexity of the American story. Pennsylvania has long led in efforts to promote inclusivity and historical honesty, and we will continue to stand firmly against any action that erases or diminishes the lived experiences of those who were enslaved.”
PHRC Philadelphia Regional Director Amber Harris emphasized the local and community impact of the decision, “Philadelphia is the birthplace of American democracy, and that history must be told in full and not selectively. The stories of the men and women enslaved at the President’s House are inseparable from this city’s legacy. Removing this exhibit undermines years of community advocacy and educational work to ensure that visitors understand both the promise of liberty and the reality of bondage that coexisted on this very ground.”
Director of Civil Rights Outreach Sheryl Meck underscored the broader educational implications, “The public square must be a place where history is told in its entirety. Removing the slavery exhibit diminishes opportunities for intergenerational learning and honest dialogue about how the past continues to shape present-day inequities. Preserving these narratives is central to advancing equity, justice, and reconciliation.”
The PHRC supports efforts by Governor Josh Shapiro, the City of Philadelphia, and community stakeholders to challenge the removal and to restore comprehensive historical interpretation at Independence National Historical Park. The Commission calls on the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service to engage transparently with impacted communities and historians to ensure that the legacy of slavery is neither minimized nor erased from the nation’s most sacred historical spaces.
About the PHRC:
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination and promote equal opportunity for all people. The PHRC investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Anyone who has experienced discrimination is urged to file a complaint by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available on the PHRC website. Follow the PHRC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
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