The Biden administration's National Park Service has announced plans to remove a statue of William Penn from Welcome Park in Philadelphia as part of an upcoming "rehabilitation" project aimed at creating a more inclusive experience for visitors. The park service, led by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, intends to expand displays about indigenous Americans in consultation with Native American groups.

Welcome Park, constructed in 1982 to commemorate the founding of Pennsylvania, currently stands as the only site in Philadelphia dedicated to honoring William Penn. The park, named after the ship that brought Penn to the American colonies, is located on the Delaware River at Sansom and Second streets.

William Penn, a Quaker theologian born in London in 1644, played a significant role in establishing the Pennsylvania colony in 1681. As proprietor of the colony, Penn authored the Charter of Privileges, which advocated for religious liberties and civil rights and influenced the drafting of the American Constitution.

The Park Service has confirmed that elements such as the street grid, rivers, and east wall of Welcome Park will remain intact during the rehabilitation project. However, the statue of William Penn and a model of Penn's former residence, the Slate Roof House, will be removed and not replaced.

While city officials in Philadelphia have yet to publicly respond to the park service's plans, social media platforms have seen a surge in comments criticizing what some users perceive as the "canceling" of the state's founder. It is important to note that another statue of William Penn is situated atop Philadelphia's City Hall.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American cabinet secretary in American history, hopes to create a more welcoming and accurate experience at Welcome Park by highlighting the history and contributions of indigenous Americans. The Park Service's rehabilitation project is set to begin after a 14-day period of soliciting public comments, starting on Monday.

As the plans move forward, the future will see new display panels on the south side wall of Welcome Park to replace the original Penn timeline incorporated in the park's 1982 design. Although no fixed timeline has been established for this separate effort, the park service remains committed to completing it in due course.

The removal of the William Penn statue from Welcome Park is a significant step in the National Park Service's mission to provide a more inclusive and educational experience for visitors. By amplifying the narratives of indigenous Americans, the rehabilitation project seeks to honor the diverse history and heritage of the Philadelphia region.