Title: Audubon Society Grapples with Internal Feud Over Racism and Name Change
Subtitle: The prominent conservation group faces backlash and divisions as it confronts racism and debates dropping its namesake
Date: [Insert Date]
Byline: [Author’s Name]
On the same day that George Floyd was tragically murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis on Memorial Day 2020, another incident unfolded in Central Park. Christian Cooper, a Black man, asked a white woman to leash her dog, leading to her calling the police and falsely claiming he was threatening her. This encounter, along with the national uproar over Floyd’s murder, prompted the chief executive of the National Audubon Society at the time, David Yarnold, to pledge the organization’s commitment to becoming antiracist.
Fast forward three years, and the Audubon Society finds itself in the midst of a heated internal feud surrounding its handling of race and calls for a name change. Complaints about workplace conditions, treatment of minority employees, and the historical association with John James Audubon, who owned slaves, have sparked divisions within the organization.
Former CEO David Yarnold has departed, along with several board members and declining support from local chapters. Employees are voicing their concerns, donors are hesitant, and members are left questioning the organization’s stance on deeply entrenched racism.
The Audubon Society’s struggle reflects the broader debates faced by organizations across the country since 2020. The pressure to appeal to a younger, diverse generation clashes with objections that certain changes may go too far. In Audubon’s case, the challenge lies in connecting bird conservation and social justice.
John James Audubon, renowned for his cataloging and paintings of bird species, contributed significantly to ornithological study in the United States. However, he was also an anti-abolitionist slave owner with repugnant beliefs about African Americans. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, prominent members of the birding community called for the society to consider a name change.
Supporters of the name change argue that it would sever ties with a shameful history, create a more welcoming environment, and help the organization thrive. The In Color Birding Club, founded by Jason Hall, advocates for a name change while staying true to the core mission of bringing birds to a diverse range of people.
In 2020, complaints from employees revealed a dysfunctional and hostile workplace for racial minorities and women. An independent audit validated some of these concerns, leading to promises of change. However, the departure of former CEO David Yarnold did not appease employees, who formed a union called the “Bird Union” to distance themselves from the Audubon name.
Mx. Andres Villalon, a former senior director at Audubon, expressed frustration, stating that the organization prioritizes preserving its status quo rather than advancing social justice. Some employees argue that birding has a reputation as an exclusive hobby for affluent white individuals, making it unwelcoming to Black people.
As of 2022, the senior leaders and full-time employees of Audubon remain predominantly white. The organization hired Elizabeth Gray as the first woman to head the society, emphasizing the mission-critical work of diversity and equity.
While the national organization debates, several local chapters, including Seattle, New York City, and Chicago, have dropped the Audubon name. An internal survey revealed deep divisions within the organization, with 43 percent of respondents saying a name change would have a negative impact on their sense of belonging, and 35 percent believing it would have a positive impact.
The Audubon Society faces intense pressure not to alienate its older, conservative donors, who contribute generously to the organization. However, some respondents expressed strong opposition to changing the name due to historical associations, highlighting the complexity of the situation.
As the Audubon Society grapples with these challenges, it serves as a microcosm of the greater issues faced by organizations striving to embrace change in a post-2020 world. The path forward will require navigating competing interests, addressing deep-rooted racism, and redefining the conservation group’s identity.