The Pentagon is making waves with its recent decision to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) materials from all its official online content. This move was announced in a directive sent by Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell to the entire department.
The initiative, outlined in a memo titled “Digital Content Refresh,” was acquired by Breitbart News. Here’s a snippet of what the memo states:
By March 5, 2025, Components must take all practicable steps, consistent with records management requirements, to remove all DoD news and feature articles, photos, and videos that promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). All articles, photos, and videos removed from DoD websites and social media platforms must be archived and retained in accordance with applicable records management policies.
This directive covers all content promoting programs, concepts, or materials associated with critical race theory, gender ideology, and preferential treatment based on sex, race, or ethnicity. It also targets DEI-related content concerning promotion and selection reforms, advisory boards, councils, and working groups.
The content set for removal includes articles that counter merit-based or color-blind policies or spotlight immutable characteristics such as race, ethnicity, or sex. Additionally, it targets cultural awareness months as specified in Secretary Hegseth’s January 31, 2025, Memorandum, titled “Identity Months Dead at DoD.”
Breitbart adds, “It said explicitly that the guidance does not apply to content required by law to be publicly available or related to normal installation or component operations and activities, including but not limited to, customer-focused content,” which encompasses base conditions, activities and services; current and historical leadership biographies; DoD Education Activity school activities, operations, and notifications; and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation and Commissary operations and activities.
If there are any objections to removing specific content, they must be submitted by the deadline of March 5, 2025.
For a detailed read of the memo, click here:
Digital Content Refresh by Kristina Wong
