National parks instructed to inspect gift shops for items promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion

The U.S. National Parks have received instructions to review their gift shops for items that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and remove them. A memo from the Department of the Interior, shared with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), outlines the directive. According to the memo, parks must complete this review of all products sold by partner organizations and concessionaires by December 19. The Interior Department stated, In alignment with Secretarys Order 3416, the National Park Service is conducting a reasonable review of retail items to ensure our gift shops remain neutral spaces that serve all visitors." They also assured that the process would not disrupt visitor experiences, emphasizing that any items conflicting with this order would be taken off sale.

Alan Spears, the senior director for Cultural Resources at NPCA, expressed concerns about the broader implications. This is part of an ongoing effort to sanitize or erase history in our national parks, he commented. Secretary's Order 3416, which was issued earlier this year, mandates the cessation of any programs related to illegal and immoral discrimination, including DEI-related mandates, policies, and activities within the Department of the Interior. This directive followed a broader executive order by former President Donald Trump, focusing on DEI programs in the federal government.

In addition, Trump issued a second order in March 2023, which instructed the Department of the Interior to ensure that monuments, memorials, and similar properties under its jurisdiction do not contain content that disparages Americans, either from historical or contemporary perspectives. This initiative also involved taking steps to highlight the achievements of the American people rather than negative portrayals.

For visitors of national parks, changes are coming regarding entrance fees. Starting January 1, 2026, international visitors without an annual pass will have to pay an additional $100 per person to enter 11 of the most popular parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee. The Department of the Interior emphasized that these adjustments would ensure U.S. taxpayers maintain affordable access, while international tourists contribute appropriately to the upkeep of the parks.

While the price hikes may affect international visitors, U.S. residents will continue to enjoy affordable access. Annual passes for U.S. residents will remain priced at $80, but those for nonresidents will be raised to $250. Additionally, visitors will need to provide a U.S. government-issued photo ID to validate their resident status when purchasing passes. Nonresidents will be charged the extra $100 fee if they do not purchase an annual pass.

Revenue generated from these increased fees will be reinvested into the national parks, helping to fund necessary upgrades and ongoing maintenance. The Department of the Interior is also introducing digital versions of the America the Beautiful passes for greater convenience, which can be stored on mobile devices. Physical passes will feature new artwork celebrating America's landscapes and heritage.

Despite these changes, Spears believes that elements of history tied to DEI should remain part of the parks' visitor experience. If we have books, interpretive materials, signage, or even souvenirs that reflect this history, it's part of our shared national narrative, he said. However, he noted that the National Park Service faces challenges such as staffing shortages and maintenance backlogs, suggesting that their focus should be on park management, not censorship.

The Department of the Interior, for its part, has reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, stating, Our goal is to keep National Parks focused on their core mission: preserving natural and cultural resources for the benefit of all Americans.

Author: Olivia Parker