U.S. Naval Academy Removes 400 Books Sparking Backlash

The U.S. Naval Academy has removed nearly 400 books from its Nimitz Library, including significant works on race and gender, in compliance with an executive order from President Donald Trump aimed at eliminating 'discriminatory equity ideology' from federal institutions. Critics, including military historians and Democratic lawmakers, argue that this move threatens academic freedom and erases essential perspectives from educational settings. Notable titles removed include 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' by Maya Angelou and 'How To Be An Antiracist' by Ibram X. Kendi. The process has been criticized for its lack of clear guidelines, leading to confusion among military leadership about compliance. Observers have drawn parallels to past attempts to censor literature, highlighting the potential chilling effect on cadets' intellectual growth. The controversy underscores a broader debate regarding the balance between adherence to governmental directives and the preservation of diverse viewpoints in education.