Naval Academy Moves to Curb Diversity Policies in Admissions and Literature

Pentagon and Naval Academy Shift Policies to Support Trump’s Anti-"Woke" Initiatives

The Pentagon and the U.S. Naval Academy are taking significant measures in line with the Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate what it describes as "woke" initiatives from various federal government functions. A recent federal court filing indicated that the Naval Academy has officially discontinued its use of affirmative action during admissions, reversing a previous policy that it had argued was crucial for fostering diversity and ensuring national security.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has mandated that the Naval Academy conduct an inventory of books within its Nimitz Library that are associated with themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This directive is part of a broader initiative to adhere to patriotic and conservative values, distancing from policies perceived as promoting radical ideologies.

An anonymous defense official revealed that the military service academies had initially interpreted President Trump’s executive order—issued on January 29—intended to address “radical indoctrination” in K-12 education as not applicable to institutions of higher education. Secretary Hegseth’s office clarified that the order is indeed relevant to military academies, emphasizing that compliance is expected moving forward.

Commander Tim Hawkins, a Navy spokesperson, stated, “The U.S. Naval Academy is fully committed to executing and implementing all directives outlined in executive orders issued by the president and is currently reviewing the Nimitz Library collection to ensure compliance.” He assured that the removal process and other related actions are being conducted with professionalism and efficiency, in line with national security objectives.

The Nimitz Library in Annapolis, Maryland, is home to an impressive collection of about 590,000 print books, 322 databases, and over 5,000 print journals and magazines. The recent court filing concerning the admissions change reports that the Naval Academy adjusted its policy in February in direct response to federal mandates that prohibit the consideration of race, ethnicity, and sex in admissions decisions.

On February 14, the Naval Academy superintendent revised internal guidance, confirming that race, sex, or ethnicity would no longer factor into candidate qualifications. Vice Admiral Yvette M. David, the current superintendent, reiterated these policies last Wednesday while testifying before a subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee. She stated unequivocally, “At no time are race, sex, or ethnicity considered in the qualification of a candidate.” However, the Naval Academy did not respond to requests for further comments on the admissions policy over the past weekend.

Although the review of the Nimitz Library’s holdings is ongoing, reports indicate that approximately 900 books have been flagged for potentially conflicting with the new directives. Among these are notable works, including “The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.,” “Einstein on Race and Racism,” and a biography of Jackie Robinson. The implications of such actions raise significant concerns about academic freedom and the limitations on educational resources available to future naval officers.

Secretary Hegseth is scheduled to visit the Naval Academy this Tuesday to speak to the Brigade of Midshipmen, although it remains uncertain whether the identified books will be removed from circulation prior to his arrival. While the Naval Academy is taking decisive steps under the new directives, defense officials did not provide any updates regarding similar directives being issued to other military institutions. The question remains open as to whether the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Air Force Academy, or the United States Coast Guard Academy have received comparable orders. Additionally, uncertainty persists over whether institutions such as the Naval War College and the Army’s Command and General Staff College will be subjected to the same scrutiny regarding their educational materials.

As the Pentagon and the Naval Academy implement these changes, the broader implications for educational equality, diversity, and inclusion within military training are under intense scrutiny. Critics argue that these moves could undermine decades of progress toward inclusive educational practices, potentially affecting the composition, values, and cultural understanding of future military leaders. The situation continues to evolve, leaving many to wonder how these policies will influence the dynamics within U.S. defense institutions and the military as a whole in the coming months.