Staff Reports
The Biden administration’s attempt to remove the statue of William Penn from Welcome Park in Philadelphia has been met with opposition from Native American groups. These groups, who were historically displaced and marginalized, surprisingly did not demand the statue’s removal. They recognize Penn as an ally who maintained friendly relations with the Lenape tribe.
William Penn, an English Quaker who founded the colony of Pennsylvania, promised the Shawnee tribe a home in western Pennsylvania and kept his word. He is not to be lumped in with the terrible individuals who inflicted tragedy upon Native Americans. So why would anyone want to remove his statue?
Native Americans weren’t on board with Biden admin’s failed plan to remove William Penn statue https://t.co/4NwOiMCliP
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) January 11, 2024
The National Park Service claimed that the removal was part of an effort to provide a more inclusive experience for visitors and to expand the interpretation of Native American history in Philadelphia. However, this decision was met with ridicule from Pennsylvanians who view Penn’s legacy favorably. It’s another example of the left pushing a radical ideology and a distorted view of history.
Thankfully, the intervention of Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro helped protect the statue. He recognized the importance of William Penn’s statue remaining in its rightful home in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Hats off to Governor Shapiro for standing up against the extreme wokeism prevalent in our country.
While consultation with Native American tribes is required before making changes to historic sites, these groups have made it clear that they don’t see Penn as a villain. In fact, they acknowledge his significance in their own culture and history. So why was there even a discussion about removing the statue in the first place?
It’s clear that the Biden administration’s decision was misguided and lacked the support of those it claimed to be advocating for. Perhaps they should spend less time trying to erase history and more time focusing on real issues that affect Americans today. Let William Penn’s statue stand as a reminder of the positive relationships that can be forged between different cultures and communities.
