Why US military academies are banning books

PoliticsOpinion
29 Aug 2025 • 5:19 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The Trump administration introduced policies at US military service academies to prohibit "gender ideology" and other concepts deemed "un-American".
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth subsequently ordered that critical race theory, diversity, and inclusion could not be taught at these institutions.
  • This resulted in academic censorship, including the cancellation of courses, dissolution of majors, and removal of books at West Point and the US Naval Academy.
  • Professors, such as Dr Graham Parsons from West Point, faced pressure to remove specific readings and some resigned in protest against the changes.
  • The alterations have prompted concerns that future military leaders may not receive a sufficiently well-rounded education.

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