Audubon Society Refuses to Rename Despite Ties to Slavery

The National Audubon Society has decided to keep the name of John James Audubon, despite calls to remove it due to his history as a slave owner and opponent of abolition. The decision was made after a year of deliberation and surveys of public opinion. While some local chapters have pledged to drop Audubon from their names, the national organization believes the name has come to represent a love of birds and nature. The decision highlights the challenge of reconciling a racist past with a history that has made "Audubon" a household name associated with protecting birds.