Last Updated on May 23, 2025 by Bertrand Clarke
Introduction
The U.S. Naval Academy has reinstated nearly all 381 books previously removed from its Nimitz Library following a Pentagon review that redefined criteria for materials deemed incompatible with military objectives. This decision, finalized on May 23, 2025, has sparked a renewed debate about the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in military education.
Background
In April 2025, the Navy removed 381 books from the Nimitz Library under a Pentagon directive to review materials related to DEI, prompted by a January 29, 2025, executive order from President Donald Trump titled “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling,” extended to military academies. The removed titles included I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, Bodies in Doubt by Elizabeth Reis, and White Rage by Carol Anderson.
Pentagon’s Revised Review
A May 9, 2025, Pentagon memo introduced 20 standardized search terms, including “anti-racism,” “gender identity,” and “white privilege,” to guide the review process. The new criteria identified only two or three titles for removal, leading to the reinstatement of nearly all 381 books by May 22, 2025.
Implications for Military Education
The reinstatement has been praised by educators and historians as a victory for academic freedom. Dr. Sarah Thompson, a military history professor, emphasized that exposure to diverse perspectives is essential for preparing midshipmen for leadership in a complex world. A 2023 Department of Defense survey found that 68% of service members believe diversity training enhances their ability to work in multicultural environments.
Criticism and Controversy
The initial book removals drew sharp criticism, with Representatives Adam Smith and Chrissy Houlahan calling them “a blatant attack on the First Amendment.” Some conservative voices argue that DEI materials distract from warfighting skills, but a 2024 RAND Corporation study found that diversity training increases trust among team members by 15%, improving mission performance.
The Role of Nimitz Library
The Nimitz Library, with 590,000 print books, supports the Naval Academy’s mission to develop midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically. Midshipman Emily Carter highlighted the importance of books like Angelou’s for fostering empathy and leadership. A 2025 Pew Research poll showed that 72% of military personnel under 30 support inclusive education.
Broader Context
The Navy’s actions reflect broader cultural debates, with a 2025 American Library Association report noting a 33% surge in book bans in U.S. schools in 2024. The Department of Defense’s $1.2 billion investment in military education in 2024 underscores the need for curricula that prepare leaders for diverse global challenges.
Conclusion
The reinstatement of the books reaffirms the Naval Academy’s commitment to intellectual freedom, ensuring midshipmen are equipped to lead with both strength and wisdom in a diverse world.
