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U.S. Naval Academy Dismantles DEI Offices Under New Directives
The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, is initiating the closure of all Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) offices. This decision aligns with the recent mandates stemming from President Trump’s executive orders, as detailed in a memo obtained by Fox News.
Details from the Memo
This significant decision was conveyed in an email sent to staff by Vice Adm. Yvette Davids. The memo informed personnel that the academy is moving to cease all DEIA-related contracts as part of a broader directive from the President.
The communication stressed, “The President has directed that the following information be forwarded to all employees.” This acknowledgment framed the decision within the context of federal policy changes aimed at restructuring DEI programs.
Compliance with Executive Orders
Vice Adm. Davids stated, “We are taking steps to close all agency Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) offices… in accordance with President Trump’s executive orders titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing and Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions.” This statement indicates a clear commitment to adhering to the new federal guidelines.
Furthermore, concerns were raised within the memo about potential attempts to modify these programs in ways that could obscure their original DEIA objectives. Davids urged the staff to remain vigilant.
Actions Requested from Staff
In light of these changes, the Vice Admiral encouraged all Naval Academy staff to report any modifications to contract descriptions or personnel position descriptions. If these changes occurred since November 5, 2024, and aimed to obscure the connection to DEIA initiatives, staff members are instructed to provide a detailed account to the Office of Personnel Management.
Further Developments and Responses
When contacted for comment on these actions, representatives from the U.S. Naval Academy declined to provide further insights. This response underscores the sensitivity surrounding the implementation of these federal directives.
Additionally, a human resources official circulated a separate email advising staff members that, in accordance with recent Department of Defense guidelines, no U.S. Naval Academy email should include gender-identifying pronouns in the email signature. This measure adds another layer to the academy’s compliance efforts.
Impact of Broader Military Policy Changes
The Naval Academy’s transition is in line with similar changes occurring at West Point, which has disbanded various identity-based clubs. These adjustments stem from Trump’s executive orders and new Pentagon policies aimed at modifying how DEI-focused organizations operate within military academies.
Clubs Affected by New Directives
Notably, several organizations have lost their official status as they were directly tied to the DEI office. These include the Asian-Pacific Forum, the Korean-American relations seminar, the Latin Cultural Club, and both the National Society of Black Engineers Club and the Society of Women Engineers Club. The U.S. Military Academy indicated that the disbandment of these clubs directly correlates with the federal DEI policy changes.
What Lies Ahead
As the U.S. Naval Academy moves forward with these actions, questions remain regarding the future of DEI initiatives within military institutions. Observers are keenly watching how these decisions will impact the culture and inclusivity of the armed services.
The Academy’s commitment to complying with federal directives illustrates a significant shift in approach towards diversity and inclusion in military education. The implications of these changes will likely resonate throughout the military community and beyond.
Fox News’ reporting contributed to this article.
