Importance Score: 82 / 100 🟢
Naval Academy Removes Books Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The U.S. Naval Academy has withdrawn nearly 400 books from its collection following a directive from the office of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to evaluate and eliminate titles that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). U.S. officials confirmed the library’s removal of books deemed to advance DEI initiatives as part of a broader review prompted by defense leadership.
Review and Removal Process
Academy administrators were instructed to examine the library’s holdings late last week. An initial assessment identified approximately 900 books for closer scrutiny. Ultimately, nearly 400 were designated for removal, a process that commenced on Monday and concluded before Hegseth’s previously scheduled visit on Tuesday. Officials stated that Hegseth’s visit was unrelated to the library review. The list of removed titles has not yet been publicly released.
Broader DEI Content Scrutiny
This action represents another phase in the administration’s extensive effort to eliminate DEI-related content from federal agencies. This initiative impacts policies, programs, online and social media content, and educational curricula within federal institutions.
Pentagon’s Stance
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell affirmed, “All service academies are fully committed to executing and implementing President Trump’s executive orders.” This statement underscores the Department of Defense’s commitment to aligning with presidential directives.
Academies and DEI Directives
While the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, were not explicitly targeted by President Trump’s January executive order concerning DEI restrictions in kindergarten through 12th grade schools receiving federal funds—as these academies are institutions of higher education—they are now subject to similar scrutiny.
Order Origin and Academy Response
Pentagon leadership reportedly focused attention on the Naval Academy after media reports indicated the institution had not yet removed books promoting DEI. A U.S. official indicated that the academy received instructions late last week to conduct the review and removal. The specific source of the order, whether directly from Hegseth or a staff member, remains unclear.
Curriculum and Content Reviews Across Academies
A West Point official verified that their institution has completed a curriculum review and is prepared to assess library materials if directed by the Army. The Air Force and Naval Academies have also completed curriculum reviews as previously mandated.
Air Force Academy’s Ongoing Review
An Air Force Academy representative stated that the school consistently evaluates its curriculum, coursework, and related materials to ensure compliance with executive orders and Department of Defense guidelines. Lt Gen Tony Bauernfeind, the Air Force Academy superintendent, recently mentioned the ongoing curriculum review to Congress, but did not address the removal of books.
Anonymity of Officials
Officials providing information requested anonymity to discuss academy policies, indicating the sensitive nature of the topic.
Hegseth’s Push and Subsequent Revisions
Hegseth has been a vocal advocate for eliminating DEI programs and online content within the Department of Defense. This initiative has faced criticism from lawmakers, local authorities, and citizens who have questioned the removal of references to military figures and historical events from defense department websites and social media platforms.
Restoration of Content
In response to public and official inquiries, the Department of Defense has moved to reinstate some of the removed posts as their elimination became public knowledge, highlighting confusion surrounding the implementation of DEI policy.
Mistaken Removals and Rectification
Illustrating the ambiguity surrounding DEI policy interpretation, Naval Academy personnel mistakenly removed photographs of prominent female Jewish graduates from a display case while preparing for Hegseth’s visit. These photographs were subsequently restored. The Navy issued a statement acknowledging the erroneous removal of photos from the Naval Academy Jewish center, adding that Naval Academy leadership is taking immediate action to review and correct the unauthorized removal.
Hegseth’s Visit
Hegseth met with students and had lunch at the Naval Academy on Tuesday. The visit was not open to media coverage or invited press.