
Military ends diversity events, focusing on unity instead
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Defense Secretary Orders Immediate Halt to Cultural Observances
In a significant shift in Department of Defense policy, newly appointed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has implemented a sweeping pause on cultural awareness celebrations within the department. A leaked January 28 memo reveals the suspension of official resources, including staff hours, for various cultural observance events.
The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) workforce received specific instructions detailing the immediate suspension of multiple commemorative events. The directive affects numerous observances, spanning from Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday celebrations to National American Indian Heritage Month, though federal holidays remain unaffected.
The internal memo outlines a comprehensive pause on Agency Special Emphasis Programs, Special Observances, Agency Resource Groups, Affinity Groups, and Employee Networking Groups. This suspension encompasses significant observances such as Holocaust Remembrance Day, Women’s History Month, and Pride celebrations.
The Death of DEI? Defense Sec Pete Hegseth Reportedly Cancels “Identity Months”—“We’re not joking around—DEI is gone!” https://t.co/VAL0c6gwL1 pic.twitter.com/SW4zzn4jpP
— 🅿️®️🚫❌✌🏾 (@proxcee) February 1, 2025
According to AP reporting, the authenticity of the memo has been verified by a U.S. official speaking anonymously, who clarified that while the DIA initiated this pause, it may not represent broader Defense Department policy.
During Kash Patel’s confirmation hearing, Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono from Hawaii confronted the policy change by reading portions of the Department of Defense memo, expressing her opposition to the directive.
Secretary Hegseth has taken his stance further by establishing a dedicated DEI task force aimed at eliminating all diversity, equity, and inclusion programs from the Pentagon. In a Fox News interview on Wednesday, he emphasized the administration’s commitment to this change, stating, “We’re not joking around. There’s no changing of names or softly manipulating something. DEI is gone.”
The move has sparked varied reactions, with some social media users, including Mila Joy, embracing the change. Joy’s viral tweet celebrated the shift toward focusing solely on Independence Day celebrations, promoting the concept of “One Nation—One Celebration—For ALL!”
BREAKING:
SECDEF Pete Hegseth has officially CANCELED National African American/Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American…
— Mila Joy (@MilaLovesJoe) February 1, 2025