"Audubon Keeps Name Tied To Enslaver, Roils Staff"

"The National Audubon Society announced Wednesday that it’s keeping its name, following a lengthy internal debate and pressure from staff to sever ties to its namesake, bird artist and enslaver John James Audubon.

The renaming debate has loomed as a contentious topic within the group for months as some Audubon affiliates have changed their own names, the organization’s employee union dropped Audubon from its title and staff accuse the National Audubon Society’s leadership of paying lip service to diversity efforts without taking sufficient action.

Susan Bell, the chair of the National Audubon Society’s board, informed staff about the decision Wednesday morning in an email."

Robin Bravender reports for E&E News March 15, 2023.