Recent directives have instructed Army and Air Force libraries to assess their collections for books related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This follows a similar initiative at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, which removed nearly 400 books at the behest of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s office. Spearheaded by the Trump administration, these actions form part of a broader effort to eliminate DEI content from federal entities.
The memos indicate that any book removal will proceed only after a thorough review of initial lists, perhaps in response to criticism the Navy faced for its selection. Among the 381 books removed from the Naval Academy’s Nimitz Library were titles on the Holocaust, feminism, civil rights, and racism, including Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”
The Army’s directive, dispatched to institutions such as the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Army War College, mandates a review of collections. Books deemed to promote DEI, gender ideology, and critical race theory in ways that undermine meritocracy and unity are to be removed, pending further instructions. Derrick Anderson, the acting assistant Army secretary for manpower, signed the memo, which demands a list be submitted to the Army’s chief librarian by Wednesday. This order also extends to libraries under the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command, Army Special Operations Command, and the Army Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School.
Similarly, the Air Force memo instructs the Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs to evaluate its titles concerning DEI, gender ideology, and critical race theory, with preliminary and final lists due by April 30 and May 30, respectively. The directive, signed by Gwendolyn DeFilippi, the acting assistant secretary for manpower, does not mention other Air Force libraries specifically.
Although an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in January banned DEI-related instruction in federally funded K-12 schools, military academies were initially excluded, as they are classified as higher education institutions. This oversight was addressed when Pentagon officials extended the removal directive to include all military academies.
An Air Force statement affirmed that the academy is conducting a “deliberate review” to align with departmental policies. Meanwhile, Army Col. Terry Kelley, spokesman for West Point, stated the school would carry out the review “with the utmost professionalism and efficiency.”
Defense Secretary Hegseth has actively advocated for the removal of DEI programs and content across the department. However, these actions have faced scrutiny from lawmakers, local leaders, and citizens concerned about the erasure of military heroes and significant historical content from Defense Department platforms. Consequently, some of the removed content is being reinstated as the department navigates this contentious initiative.
Understanding the Impact
This initiative to review and potentially remove DEI-related books from military libraries may significantly influence educational resources and cultural understanding within these institutions. Critics fear that such actions could limit exposure to diverse perspectives and historical narratives, affecting how future military leaders comprehend and engage with complex global issues.
For communities and individuals, particularly those advocating for greater inclusion and representation in educational content, this development may spark concerns about the broader implications on societal values and the preservation of diverse voices within military education. The outcome of these reviews could further influence public discourse on the balance between national security interests and educational diversity.
