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New York City’s chapter of the Audubon Society has voted to change its name, joining several other local chapters of the bird conservation group dissociating themselves from the so-called founding father of American birding. Earlier this month, the National Audubon Society voted to retain the name of John James Audubon, the 19th century French American naturalist who enslaved at least nine people and espoused racist views. That set off a revolt among leaders of local chapters of the society. In a statement, NYC Audubon’s board of directors wrote, “We recognize that [Audubon’s] views and actions towards people of color and Indigenous people were harmful and offensive — and that the harm continues today, presenting a barrier to people who might otherwise become involved in or support our work.” NYC Audubon says it has begun the process of finding a new, more inclusive name.

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