The Pentagon is on a mission to remove thousands of images and posts that reference diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) content. A recent report shared that over 26,000 items have been flagged for deletion across all branches of the military. This could potentially reach 100,000 if social media and other platforms are included.
The push to remove these images follows an order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He aims for a clean sweep of diverse representation in the military, aligning with former President Donald Trump’s executive order that sought to eliminate DEI programs in federal agencies.
Notably, this removal list includes images of significant historical events and milestones. For instance, photos of the Enola Gay, the aircraft that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, and representations of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military pilots, were flagged. Even benign images, like those containing the word “gay” in a context that had nothing to do with LGBTQ+ issues, were highlighted for deletion.
The majority of the flagged content relates to women and minorities, encompassing commemoration posts for various groups, such as Black History Month and Women’s History Month. In fact, some posts that celebrate the achievements of women in the military, including those who passed infantry training, are threatened with removal.
Despite this extensive purge, some images, particularly those of historical significance, remain visible. For example, pictures of the Women Airforce Service Pilots and Medal of Honor recipient Pfc. Harold Gonsalves are still accessible. Users have noticed a discrepancy where posts advocating for inclusivity might still be live while others are taken down.
Critics of this initiative argue it reflects a misunderstanding of the historical content and could lead to a loss of valuable educational material. The review process to decide what to keep and what to remove has created confusion within the military ranks, leaving many employees unsure of how to navigate the new directive.
As the Pentagon moves forward with its mission, the impact on cultural memory and accurate representation of diversity in the military remains a significant concern. Actions taken now may shape the narrative of military history and accomplishments for future generations.
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