Diversity Books Ban: Pentagon's Aggressive Crackdown on Inclusive Literature
Military ordered to remove books promoting diversity, anti-racism, and gender issues from military libraries, as per Pentagon's instructions.
The Pentagon has ordered all military leaders and commands to scrutinize and remove library books dealing with themes of diversity, anti-racism, and gender issues by May 21. This directive, spearheaded by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, aims to delete all diversity and equity programs, policies, and educational materials from the military culture[1][2][3].
Key Points of the Directive:
- Purge and Evaluation: The directive mandates that any books found promoting "divisive concepts and gender ideology," considered incompatible with the Department's core mission, should be segregated and reviewed by May 21. Additional guidance will be provided on how to reconsider and eliminate these materials[2].
- Decision Making Process: A temporary Academic Libraries Committee established by the department will offer information on the evaluation and decision-making process regarding the books[2].
- Search Keywords: The panel provided a list of search terms to identify books featuring subjects like affirmative action, anti-racism, critical race theory, discrimination, gender dysphoria, gender identity and transition, transgender, transsexual, and white privilege for the initial review[2].
Military Academy Book Removals:
- U.S. Naval Academy: In early March, the U.S. Naval Academy eliminated nearly 400 books from its library, following instructions to eliminate books advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)[2].
- Admissions Policies: Hegseth also issued a memo requiring military academies to accept students based solely on merit, ignoring factors such as race, ethnicity, or sex. However, exceptional athletic talent, prior military service, or military prep school attendance may still be considered[3].
Uncertainty Regarding the Books' Fate:
While the directive does not specify whether the removed books will be kept in storage or discarded, the Academic Libraries Committee will be instrumental in determining their final disposition[2]. The Pentagon's aggressive stance on diversity literature has raised questions and concerns within the military and beyond.
- Education and diversity-focused books have become a target in the Pentagon's policy-and-legislation, with a directive being issued to remove such materials from military libraries by May 21.
- The Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, is leading the initiative to delete all diversity and equity programs, policies, and educational materials from the military culture.
- The directive mandates that any books promoting "divisive concepts and gender ideology" found within military libraries should be reviewed by May 21.
- A temporary Academic Libraries Committee has been established to provide guidance on the evaluation and decision-making process regarding the books.
- General news outlets and politics have been abuzz with concerns and questions regarding the Pentagon's aggressive crackdown on inclusive literature.
- Fox News contributor and co-host of "Fox & Friends," Brian Kilmeade, expressed his opinion on this matter, stating his disagreement with the book bans and wanting to see "books about World War II instead of 'How to be a good ally'" in military libraries, emphasizing the importance of historical educational materials.
