Why the Seattle Audubon Society will drop 'Audubon' from its name

A Seattle Audubon Society by any other name, would be just as birdy.

That's partly the idea behind why the Seattle Audubon Society is dropping "Audubon" from its name, citing an uncomfortable history behind the man the organization is named after.

“Knowing what we now know and hearing from community members how the Audubon name is harmful to our cause, there is no other choice but to change," said Seattle Audubon Society's Executive Director Claire Catania in a statement on the chapter's website.

According to the statement, the Board of Directors voted to drop the "Audubon" from the name on July 14. They have not chosen a new name, and no timeline has been determined for the ultimate title change. According to the statement, the chapter wants to have a "thoughtful and inclusive process" before making the change.