Orlando, Fla. – Across the United States, groups tied to the Audubon Society are moving forward with plans to rename the organization that works to protect birds. It comes after the National Audubon Society’s Board of Directors rejected the idea of changing its name despite knowing that it honors the late John James Audubon who was a slave owner.

Spectrum News reached out to the National Audubon Society’s Board of Directors before and after their decision to keep the name and they declined to take part in this interview.

Dr. Elizabeth Gray is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Audubon Society, and she wrote an open letter on why the Audubon is keeping its name.

Spectrum News anchor Tammie Fields talked with Stuart Wells the Executive Director for Portland Audubon on why his chapter rejected the name.

Use the video clip above to watch the interview.