Military Abandons Black Engineering Awards Recruiting Amid Diversity Initiative Rollback

The Pentagon has announced it will cease recruiting efforts at the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA), a prestigious event for Black engineers, as part of a broader directive under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that eliminates recognition of diversity-focused events, including Black History Month. This decision reflects a significant shift in military policy aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which have historically supported recruitment in STEM fields. Critics, including an active-duty Army general, have condemned the move as 'f—ing racist,' arguing that it undermines opportunities for Black applicants and erodes the military's talent pool. The BEYA conference has previously served as a key recruitment venue for the Army, which had participated for years to attract diverse talent. Despite the cancellations, service members may still attend the event informally, but official participation has been curtailed in compliance with new Pentagon regulations. The decision has sparked outrage among military personnel and advocates for diversity within the armed forces, highlighting a contentious debate over inclusion in the military.