The U.S. Naval Academy has announced its intent to dismantle all Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs as it aligns with new directives from the White House.
The decision is part of the Navy's efforts to comply with recent executive orders from President Donald Trump targeting DEIA programs nationwide, as Fox News reports.
In late January, Vice Adm. Yvette Davids circulated a memorandum to Naval Academy staff relaying the President's orders. The communication emphasized the importance of ensuring all DEIA offices and related contracts are either closed or terminated. Notably, the Academy clarified that it has not supported a DEI office since the summer of 2024, following the Fiscal Year 2024 defense spending bill passed by Congress.
Vice Adm. Davids' memo required Academy personnel to report any changes to contracts or assignments that could obscure DEIA elements. This move is intended to align fully with the President's directives. "The President has directed that the following information be forwarded to all employees," Vice Adm. Davids stated, urging transparency.
The internal compliance was verified through an email from Commander Tim Hawkins on January 23. He communicated to the staff the Academy's adherence to the executive orders mandating the end of DEIA offices and contracts. This step reaffirms the Academy's dedication to executing presidential directives efficiently and with precision.
The ripple effects of the executive orders extended beyond the Naval Academy to West Point, where several identity-based clubs have been disbanded. These clubs, which included associations like the Asian-Pacific Forum and the Latin Cultural Club, were dissolved as part of West Point's compliance with the new mandates due to their links to DEIA objectives.
The U.S. Military Academy's communications office explained that the unprecedented decision to dissolve these clubs primarily reflects their affiliation with the now-defunct DEI office. This move underscores the sweeping changes initiated at various military institutions under the current administration's policies.
In a related internal development, a human resources official at the U.S. Naval Academy advised staff to avoid using gender-identifying pronouns in email signatures. This recommendation aligns with broader Department of Defense directives and emphasizes a shift in the Academy's communication policies.
The actions taken by these military educational institutions demonstrate a decisive pivot in DEIA initiatives as directed by the President. "We are taking steps to close all agency Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) offices and end all DEIA-related contracts," Vice Adm. Davids reiterated, underscoring the scope and speed required for compliance.
Amid these changes, the Academy's leaders remain committed to upholding the newly established norms. As Vice Adm. Davids highlighted, concerns had surfaced regarding some programs being altered in ways that mask their DEIA objectives. This concern prompted the request for a thorough review of any adjustments made since November 2024 to contracts or role descriptions.
Commander Tim Hawkins reinforced the Academy's stance, pointing out that the U.S. Naval Academy had not maintained DEIA offices prior to the issuance of the executive order. "The U.S. Naval Academy sent the Jan. 23 email internally to staff simply to inform its personnel that the executive order was issued," he expressed.
The adherence to this directive is portrayed as not only a formal obligation but also as a demonstration of the Academy's alignment with national security objectives. The Academy's commitment to "professionally, efficiently" implementing these directives is seen as critical to maintaining operational integrity.
This development at the Naval Academy represents a significant shift in the educational priorities and administrative practices of the institution. As these orders are implemented, both the Naval Academy and West Point illustrate their adaptability to the evolving landscape, while upholding their commitment to legal and defensive readiness.
