Senate Democratic Caucus Files Amicus Brief in Support of City of Philadelphia to Protect Black History at President’s House Exhibit

HARRISBURG, PA - April 27, 2026 − The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus today filed an amicus brief in support of the City of Philadelphia urging the Third Circuit Court of Appeals to require the National Park Service to fully restore and maintain the exhibits commemorating the lives of the enslaved persons at the President's House Site.

In February, U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe ordered the National Park Service to fully restore and maintain the slavery exhibits as the underlying lawsuit continued to work its way through the court system. The National Park Service appealed the injunction to the Third Circuit.

The brief focuses on the irreparable harms to be suffered if the Third Circuit does not uphold the District Court's preliminary injunction in its entirety.

On behalf of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa offers the following statement:

"The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus is proud to affirm that the full, truthful history of our nation, even those parts that are uncomfortable, does not change depending on who occupies the Oval Office. In filing today's brief, our members stand on the side of truth and the visibility of Black history in the public square, particularly as we approach the Semiquincentennial. It is our obligation as patriotic Americans to face our past, not shy away from it, and embrace a telling of the American story that emphasizes the struggle of countless communities as they fought to be included in our commitment to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We look forward to continuing our work of defending our history, as the truth is on our side."

Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats' commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.

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