It's controversial but 'name Audubon has come to symbolise our mission', says society's chief

Audubon - despite his attitudes, the society after which he is named is sticking by his legacy  

THE chief executive of the Audubon Society, Elizabeth Gray,  has defended the board's decision, made earlier this month, to retain the name in spite of the tarnished reputation of the man after which it is named.

In an open letter addressed "Dear Flock" she writes: "Audubon's work was an important contribution to the field of ornithology in the mid-19th century, and there can be no doubt of the impact of his life’s work and passion for birds. 

"And yet he was also an enslaver whose racist views and treatment of Black and Indigenous people must be reckoned with. 

"Early last year, the Board of Directors of the National Audubon Society began an evaluation process to determine whether our organisation should move forward bearing his name. 

"This process was thorough, spanning more than a year and involving extensive feedback from stakeholders within and outside the organisation.  

"This is an issue that elicits strong views. 

"I personally heard from many voices across our network with differing opinions on the right path forward, as did the board, which was factored into their decision-making. 

                                                                

Elizabeth Gray - 'new future' for society

Continues the chief executive: "After grappling with the issue, the board  decided that the society transcends one person’s name.

 “Audubon has come to symbolise our mission and significant achievements that this organisation has made in its long history.  

"As we move forward, we will mindfully craft a new future and strategically marshal resources to maximise impact. 

"In doing so, it is critical to empower and resource work fully to realise our values of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EBID). 

"We have therefore announced a new $25-million commitment to fund the expansion of EDIB-specific work in both internal and conservation initiatives over the next five years.   

"Our conservation work to protect birds also impacts people and communities as well. 

"We must ensure that our influence is felt in those communities who have historically been excluded by the conservation movement and those who are most affected by the threats of climate change. 

"Our commitment to expanding our funding for our EDIB work will enable the organisation to build on its success co-developing solutions with communities of colour."

Concludes Ms Gray: "Audubon is committed to uniting people from all walks of life who share a love of birds and a commitment to protecting their environments.

" As we move forward, we will build on the exceptional accomplishments in conservation that this organisation has made since its founding by bringing together communities across the Americas to protect birds and the places they need."  

The Wryneck says: If the board has a commitment to "mindfully craft a new future" for the society, surely scrapping the name, Audubon, would be the obvious first step? And why does it need $25-million to realise its values of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging? Is that not already part of its ethos? Significantly, only four of the society's 23 directors are of non Anglo-Saxon descent. How do they feel about the decision? If the board discussion was recorded (which it should have been), it should be released on YouTube or some other public platform. Failing that a full transcript, should be published. If ever an issue required transparency, this is it.