Here’s the list of books the Naval Academy removed from its library amid DEI purge
The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, made headlines recently after purging hundreds of books from its library, including titles such as “How to be Anti-Racist” by Ibram X. Kendi. This move was part of a larger effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related content from the institution.
According to reports, the Naval Academy removed these books on March 31, following instructions from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. These instructions were in line with executive orders issued by then-President Donald Trump. Among the books discarded were also “Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America” by Kendi, and “Our Time is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America” by Stacey Abrams.
Ibram X. Kendi, known for his work on anti-racism, gained national attention in 2020 following the death of George Floyd. He was the former founding director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research but announced in January that he would be moving to Howard University to continue his research.
In addition to Kendi’s books, the Naval Academy also removed “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou, a powerful autobiography detailing Angelou’s experiences during the Jim Crow era. Other titles that were discarded include “Women with Mustaches and Men Without Beards: Gender and Sexual Anxieties of Iranian Modernity” by Afsanah Najmabodi, “Critical Race Theory and Education: A Marxist Response” by Mike Cole, “Men in Wonderland: The Lost Girlhood of the Victorian Gentleman” by Catherine Robson, and “Bodies in Doubt: An American History of Intersex” by Elizabeth Reis.
While Trump’s executive orders banned DEI content in K–12 schools receiving federal funds, military service academies were exempt from this directive. However, Hegseth’s office instructed the Naval Academy to eliminate the materials before a planned visit on April 1.
The Navy confirmed that nearly 400 books were removed from the Nimitz Library collection as part of this effort. The U.S. Naval Academy, known for training undergraduate midshipmen for careers as officers in the Navy and Marine Corps, houses a vast collection of print books, databases, and journals to support academic inquiries and intellectual development.
The full list of books removed during the purge has not been disclosed, but the move has sparked debates about academic freedom and the importance of DEI-related content in educational institutions. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the Naval Academy’s academic environment and the future of its students.
In conclusion, the Naval Academy’s decision to purge DEI-related books from its library has raised concerns and sparked discussions about the role of diversity and inclusion in academic settings. As the institution navigates these changes, it will be essential to consider the implications for its students and the broader academic community.
