In the midst of the George Floyd protests in 2020, the National Audubon Society found itself at a crossroads. The organization, known for its conservation efforts and love of birds, had to confront its own role in perpetuating systemic racism. The murder of George Floyd and the Central Park incident involving Christian Cooper, both Black men, prompted the society to address the issue of racial inequality within its own ranks.
Former CEO David Yarnold recognized the need for change and declared the society’s commitment to becoming anti-racist. However, three years later, the organization is embroiled in a heated dispute over how to handle its association with its namesake, John James Audubon, who owned slaves. With Yarnold’s departure and the resignation of several board members, the society has been left divided and in disarray.
This internal conflict reflects the larger debates happening across the country since 2020. Many organizations have pledged to address issues of racial inequality and social justice, but they often struggle to reconcile these goals with their traditional missions. Audubon’s case raises the question: What does bird conservation have to do with social justice?
For some, the name John James Audubon carries great significance in the world of birding, much like Edison does in the realm of electricity. Audubon’s contributions to ornithology are immense, but he was also a slave owner and held racist beliefs. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, prominent members of the birding community called for a name change to disassociate the society from Audubon’s troubling history.
Supporters of the name change argue that it would not only sever ties with a problematic past, but also create a more inclusive environment for members and employees. They believe that embracing a new name could help the society thrive by attracting a wider range of individuals.
However, changing the name is not without its challenges. Some employees and donors fear that it would alienate the society’s older, conservative base, who provide significant support. There are concerns that changing the name would have a negative impact on people’s sense of belonging to the organization.
The internal strife within the Audubon Society highlights the difficulties organizations face when confronting systemic racism and trying to enact meaningful change. It also underscores the need for organizations to evolve and adapt their missions to embrace social justice. In the case of Audubon, the tension between bird conservation and social justice is at the forefront, pushing the organization to reevaluate its purpose and ideals.
As the Audubon Society continues to grapple with these challenges, its future remains uncertain. The organization’s commitment to diversity and equity is essential for its success, but it must also navigate the delicate balance between tradition and progress. Only time will tell how Audubon will respond to these pressures and whether it can transform into an inclusive and anti-racist organization that embodies its core mission of protecting birds while also addressing systemic racism.
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