The institution’s secretary “condemned” past unethical practices that involved non-consensually collecting the brains of mostly Black and Indigenous people.
Smithsonian Institution
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Republicans Vote to Block Funding for Museum of American Latino
A bill passed last week by conservative lawmakers threatens both the forthcoming museum and the Smithsonian’s existing Latino Gallery.
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Outcry After Smithsonian Cancels Asian American Literature Festival
Over 1,000 artists and writers have signed a letter demanding the “immediate resignation” of Asian Pacific American Center Acting Director Yao-Fen You.
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Nancy Yao Will Not Lead Women’s History Museum
Yao has “withdrawn” from her role as director of the new Smithsonian museum amid an investigation of her conduct as the former leader of New York’s Museum of Chinese in America.
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Nancy Yao’s Role at Smithsonian Stalled As Review Continues
The American Women’s History Museum is awaiting the findings of an investigation into allegations against Yao.
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Smithsonian Reviewing Allegations Against Women’s History Museum Director
Workers at the Museum of Chinese in America allege that Nancy Yao was retaliatory toward employees who reported harassment.
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Museum Director Reviled by Chinatown Activists Heads to Smithsonian
Nancy Yao, the embattled president of NYC’s Museum of Chinese in America, has been chosen to lead the forthcoming American Women’s History Museum.
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The US Could Get Its First National LGBTQ+ History Museum
But the upcoming midterm elections could ultimately decide the fate of the fledgling museum.
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Smithsonian Adopts Landmark Policy on Ethical Restitution
Previously, the Smithsonian held that its museums were entitled to retain an artifact so long as its provenance rested on solid legal ground.
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House Passes Bill to Study a National Asian Pacific American Museum
“Unfortunately many remain unaware of the crucial role we’ve played throughout our history,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng, who sponsored the bill.
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Smithsonian Announces Landmark Decision to Repatriate Benin Bronzes
The institution says it will return most of the 39 artifacts in its collection to Nigeria for eventual display at the Benin City National Museum.
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The Smithsonian Museums Are Dropping Their Mask Mandate This Friday
Other major museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, still require visitors to be masked indoors.
