Pentagon blocks access to books on gender, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights in schools

The Pentagon has started restricting access to certain books on topics like immigration and psychology in its schools, citing the suppression of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs during former President Donald Trump’s administration. 

The Washington Post reported on February 8 that this move is part of a broader initiative to align educational materials with the US Department of Defence’s updated policies, as per Caliber.Az.

The restricted list includes specific chapters or entire books, some of which have sparked controversy. Among the banned materials is a chapter from a high school psychology course discussing gender and sexuality, a fifth-grade lesson on how immigration impacts the US, and the book Becoming Nicole, which tells the story of a family supporting their transgender daughter.

The list also includes a sixth-grade educational kit created for African American History Month and a biography of Albert Cashier, a transgender man who served in the Union Army during the Civil War.

In response, Will Griffin, a spokesperson for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), explained, “DoDEA is reviewing its current policies and training resources to ensure compliance with applicable DoD executive orders and guidance.”

This move follows other actions taken by the Trump administration, including an executive order issued on January 20 recognizing only two genders — male and female — and a ban on funding for sex reassignment surgeries for individuals under 19, announced on January 29. The policy also included statements suggesting that children who undergo gender transition would later regret their decisions.

The US military, which has around 15,000 transgender service members, has been directed by Trump to review the medical fitness of these individuals, with plans to dismiss those deemed unfit for service.

Trump's ally, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk expressed support in December 2024 for life imprisonment for doctors performing sex-change surgeries on children.

By Tamilla Hasanova