Naval Academy tosses 400 DEI books from library following Trump administration DEI expulsion orders
The U.S. Naval Academy, located in Annapolis, Maryland, has recently made headlines for removing nearly 400 books from its library collection. This purge was done in compliance with directives from the Trump administration to eliminate content related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
A Navy spokesperson confirmed the removal of the books, stating that the Nimitz Library at the Naval Academy houses a vast collection of print books, databases, and journals to support the academic inquiries and intellectual development of Midshipmen. While a list of the discarded books was not made available, it was revealed that the decision was made to adhere to Executive Orders issued by President Trump.
President Trump has signed multiple executive orders instructing federal agencies to remove DEI content, including a specific order in January that prohibited K-12 institutions receiving federal funding from incorporating DEI material in their curriculum. The U.S. military service academies had previously been exempt from this directive as they are not K-12 institutions.
The Pentagon’s involvement in the Naval Academy’s book purge stemmed from an order from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s office. It remains unclear whether Hegseth himself issued the directive or if it came from a staffer. The Pentagon, in response to inquiries, emphasized that all service academies are committed to executing and implementing President Trump’s Executive Orders.
Secretary Hegseth has been actively dismantling DEI programs within the Department of Defense. In January, he announced that the Pentagon would comply with all orders to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from the military. This directive extends to social media platforms and websites within the Department of Defense.
The Naval Academy’s library scrub comes on the heels of a decision disclosed by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, stating that the institution will no longer consider race, ethnicity, or sex in admissions. This change was in response to an executive order issued by President Trump in January. While the Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that considering race in higher education admissions was unconstitutional, military academies were given some leeway in their admissions processes.
The U.S. Naval Academy is renowned for training undergraduate midshipmen for careers as officers in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. This recent move to remove books from its library collection underscores the ongoing efforts within the military to align with the directives of the current administration.
In conclusion, the U.S. Naval Academy’s decision to remove books related to diversity, equity, and inclusion reflects a broader shift within the military to comply with Executive Orders from the Trump administration. As the institution continues to adapt to these changes, it remains committed to providing a comprehensive education for its students.
