Equity and Inclusion in the National Park Service: Historical Challenges, New Possibilities

In 2016–17, I explored the National Park Service’s (NPS) troubled history with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). I conducted in-depth, unstructured interviews and/or narrative storytelling with forty participants from the NPS, partner agencies, and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) using Participatory Action Research (PAR) guided by Critical Race Theory (CRT). Lack of DEI in the NPS and environmental organizations (EOs) and agencies not only puts the future of public lands at risk due to changing demographics but constitutes environmental injustice. Participants emphasized the importance of “deep” collaboration, fundamental changes in hiring practices, and “culture change,” e.g., multicultural literacy, and included guidance for overcoming access barriers. We hoped to provide the NPS with new, innovative ways to develop and implement policies and programs that meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population. In recent years, BIPOC-led efforts to increase equitable access have grown exponentially. Much has changed within the NPS, though progress remains slow. This update focuses on the participants’ responses and where the NPS and EO’s stand today. I also present a case study of a successful environmental education program which highlights cross-agency collaboration, and how public lands agencies and organizations can benefit from these promising practices.