The U.S. Naval Academy has removed nearly 400 books from its library to comply with directives from the Trump administration regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. This significant action was confirmed by a U.S. Navy spokesman on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, following an earlier review initiated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's office.
Last week, academy officials were instructed to conduct a thorough review of their library materials after a media report highlighted that the Naval Academy had not yet removed DEI-promoting books. The review began with an initial identification of approximately 900 books, ultimately leading to the decision to remove nearly 400 of them. The process of pulling these books from the shelves commenced on Monday, March 31, 2025, and was completed just in time for Hegseth's scheduled visit on April 1.
Hegseth, who addressed over 4,000 students and faculty during his visit, emphasized that past distractions, including DEI initiatives, have weakened the military. "Our differences don’t make us strong," he stated. "Our shared mission does." This perspective aligns with the Trump administration's broader campaign to eliminate DEI-related content across federal agencies, including educational institutions.
According to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, all service academies are fully committed to executing and implementing President Trump's Executive Orders, which have aimed to restrict DEI instruction in K-12 schools receiving federal funding. The executive order, issued on January 29, 2025, threatened to withhold federal funding for educational institutions that promote what the administration terms "gender ideology" and "discriminatory equity ideology." Initially, the military academies were not included in this directive, as leaders believed it did not apply to them as colleges.
The Naval Academy's recent actions come amid heightened scrutiny and pressure from the Trump administration to align with its policies. Following the Capital Gazette's report, defense leaders turned their focus to the Naval Academy, prompting the review and removal of DEI-related materials. A U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that the academy was directed to act swiftly.
In addition to the book removals, there have been other notable incidents at the Naval Academy related to the DEI policy. On the same day as the book removals, personnel mistakenly took down photos of distinguished female Jewish graduates from a display case in preparation for Hegseth's visit. However, these photos were promptly restored after the error was identified. The Navy acknowledged the incident, stating that the leadership was taking steps to review and correct the unauthorized removal.
As the Naval Academy undertakes these changes, other military academies are also reviewing their DEI-related materials. A West Point official confirmed that the institution had completed a review of its curriculum and was prepared to examine library content if directed by the Army. Similarly, an Air Force Academy spokesperson stated that the academy continually reviews its curriculum and materials to ensure compliance with executive orders and Department of Defense policies.
Last week, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, the superintendent of the Air Force Academy, informed Congress that the school was in the midst of its course review, although there was no mention of book removals at that time. The ongoing scrutiny of DEI initiatives has led to significant changes within the military academies, including the disbandment of clubs for women and minorities, as a direct result of Trump's orders.
The Defense Department's approach to DEI has faced criticism and backlash from lawmakers and the public, particularly regarding the removal of historical references and military heroes from official communications. In response to public outcry, the department has scrambled to restore some of the content that had been removed, including articles about Jackie Robinson and Navajo code talkers, which were mistakenly taken down as part of a broader DEI purge.
As of now, it remains unclear whether other military academies, like West Point and the Air Force Academy, have also removed DEI-related books from their libraries. A spokesperson for West Point indicated that officials there had already conducted a curriculum review and were willing to review library collections if instructed to do so by the Army.
In light of these developments, the Naval Academy's actions reflect a significant shift in how military education is being shaped under the Trump administration's directives. The emphasis on eliminating DEI content signals a broader ideological battle over the role of diversity and inclusion in military training and education. As these policies continue to unfold, the implications for future generations of military leaders remain to be seen.
With ongoing debates surrounding DEI initiatives, the Naval Academy's recent book removals serve as a pivotal moment in the intersection of education, military policy, and societal values. The outcome of these changes will likely influence not only the academy's future curriculum but also the broader narrative surrounding diversity and inclusion within the military.
