Pentagon Schools Pull Books on Race, Gender, and Sexuality Following Trump’s Executive Orders

Responding to executive orders from President Donald Trump, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) is deleting books and courses on race, gender, and sexuality from its curriculum. The directive follows Trump's latest policy of restricting diversity discussions in military institutions.

Eight particular items—elementary school readings on immigration, Black History Month social studies resources, and high school debates on gender and sexuality—are included in a DODEA memorandum as "do not use" pending further evaluation. As compliance inspections progress, officials caution that more instructional resources could be deleted.

Apart from outlawing books and courses, DODEA also oversees student clubs and cultural events, which helps dissolve groups like Pride clubs and Women in STEM groups. While at Wiesbaden Elementary, a portrait of Michelle Obama was taken down following Black History Month observances. Teachers at Wiesbaden Middle School were directed to review and remove non-compliant classroom texts.

A Pentagon spokesman verified that these measures follow Trump's executive directives to "restore biological truth" and eradicate "radical indoctrination" in K–12 education. Teachers, parents, and students worry about the future of diversity instruction in military schools as the Pentagon school system sets a February 18 compliance deadline.

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