President Donald Trump’s administration is targeting books in Pentagon schools as part of its attack on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.
The Defense Department ordered a “compliance review” of the library books made available to children studying in Pentagon schools across the world, according to a memo circulated on Monday and obtained by The Guardian. This comes as many red states have already implemented book bans on topics of gender ideology, critical race theory and LGBTQ themes in schools.
The Guardian reported that the children have had their access to library books “suspended” for at least a week as officials examine books “potentially related to gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology topics,” according to the memo.
Among the books being targeted is Oscar-winning actor Julianne Moore’s children’s book, “Freckleface Strawberry,” according to The Guardian. The book is targeted for children ages 4 to 8 years old and tells the story of a young girl growing to love her freckles.
The report also said that a picture book about the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “No Truth Without Ruth,” was also among the books targeted.
U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) accused the Trump administration of “censorship” over the move to remove book.
The Washington Post reported earlier this week that another memo from the Defense Department began restricting access to books and other learning materials in its school system.
The list of restricted material includes a book chapter on gender and sexuality for a high school psychology course, a fifth-grade lesson on immigration in the U.S., a nonfiction book, “Becoming Nicole,” that delves into how a family accepts their transgender daughter, according to The Washington Post.
Trump signed an executive order last month halting DEI programs across the federal government.
The executive action calls for the termination of DEI programs, mandates, policies, preferences and activities in the federal government along with the review and revision of existing federal employment practices, union contracts and training policies or programs.
Agency, department and commission heads have 60 days to terminate to the maximum extent allowed by law all DEI, DEIA and “environmental justice” offices and positions, action plans, equity-related grants or contracts as well as end all DEI or DEIA performance requirements.
It also targets federal contractors who have provided DEI training or materials, and grantees who received federal funding to provide or advance DEI programs, services or activities since former President Joe Biden took office in 2021.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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