The Smithsonian's Parting Shot: A Cautionary Tale of Politics and Preservation The announcement that Lonnie Bunch will retire as Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution by the end of the year has sent shockwaves through the cultural and academic communities.
His departure, while perhaps routine in some contexts, is impossible to ignore given the contentious relationship between Bunch and the Trump administration.
As an institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating American history and culture, the Smithsonian should remain above partisan politics.