In April 2025, the U.S. Naval Academy removed 381 books from its Nimitz Library, targeting works related to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), anti-racism, gender identity, and civil rights.

This action followed a Pentagon directive under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, aligning with President Trump's executive orders to eliminate DEI initiatives across federal institutions (Associated Press, 2025).

The Book Removals

The removed titles included seminal works such as Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Martin Luther King Jr.’s autobiography, and books on the Holocaust and civil rights.

The Pentagon's memo instructed military libraries to identify and remove materials containing keywords like "diversity," "equity," "anti-racism," and "white privilege" (The Daily Beast, 2025).

Community Response

The removals sparked significant backlash from Annapolis residents, alumni, and free speech advocates.

Retired Navy Commander William Marks initiated a fundraising campaign, raising nearly $67,000 to provide access to the removed books through local bookstores and community events (The Wall Street Journal, 2025).

Broader Implications

This action is part of a wider federal effort to eliminate DEI content from military institutions, including the removal of online materials honoring minority service members and the cessation of identity-based observances like Black History Month (The Guardian, 2025).

Implications for Inclusive Hiring

The removal of DEI-related materials from military academies raises concerns about the future of inclusive hiring practices.

Such actions may signal a deprioritization of diversity initiatives, potentially affecting the recruitment and retention of diverse talent within the military and associated sectors.

How Diversity.com Supports Inclusive Hiring Amid Challenges

At Diversity.com, we recognize the challenges organizations face in maintaining DEI commitments amid evolving societal and political landscapes.

As a dedicated DEI job board, our platform offers resources and tools to support employers and job seekers committed to fostering inclusive environments.

For Employers & HR Leaders:

✔ Post Inclusive Job Listings — Reach a diverse pool of candidates by highlighting your organization's commitment to DEI.

✔ Access DEI Resources — Utilize our curated content to inform and enhance your DEI strategies.

✔ Engage with a Community — Connect with like-minded professionals dedicated to advancing workplace diversity.

For Job Seekers:

✔ Find inclusive employers — Discover organizations that prioritize equity and inclusion in their hiring practices.

✔ Enhance Your Profile — Showcase your experiences and skills to employers committed to DEI.

✔ Stay Informed — Access articles and resources to support your career development in inclusive workplaces.

We believe in a future where every career journey and every hire moves us closer to true equity.

Start building with Diversity.com.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to Contact Us Here. Our dedicated support team is ready to help!

Related Articles

• Stockholm Said No: What a Swedish Rejection of U.S. Pressure Says About Global DEI Values

• Why the U.S. Is Reversing DEI While the World Moves Forward

• Shareholders Overwhelmingly Reject Anti-DEI Proposals: A Strong Signal for Inclusive Hiring

• Harvard’s DEI Hiring Controversy: Navigating Federal Scrutiny and Upholding Institutional Values

• Columbia University Scales Back DEI Initiatives Amid Federal Pressure: Implications for Inclusive Hiring

• University of Michigan's DEI Program Closure: Navigating Federal Mandates and Institutional Change

Sources & References

• Associated Press. (2025, May 9). Pentagon directs military to pull library books that address diversity, anti-racism, gender issues. https://apnews.com/article/770364ab99591402ddffe8758432ff26

• The Daily Beast. (2025, May 10). Hegseth's Pentagon Orders Military to Pull All Woke Books From Its Libraries. https://www.thedailybeast.com/pete-hegseths-pentagon-orders-military-to-pull-all-woke-books-from-its-libraries

• The Wall Street Journal. (2025, May 9). Locals Fight Back After Naval Academy Removes Books in DEI Cull. https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/naval-academy-dei-book-removal-annapolis-maryland-072f1b02

• The Guardian. (2025, May 10). Pentagon orders military to pull books related to DEI and 'gender ideology'. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/10/pentagon-dei-gender-ideology-books