The recent deletion of educational materials about black and female service members from Arlington Cemetery’s website has created significant backlash, with critics arguing it aligns with efforts to eliminate diversity initiatives in the military.
Arlington Cemetery's Controversial Content Removal Triggers Outcry Over Veterans' Representation
Arlington Cemetery's Controversial Content Removal Triggers Outcry Over Veterans' Representation
Arlington National Cemetery has come under fire for removing key information on black and female veterans from its official website.
Arlington National Cemetery has scrubbed from its website vital information about the history and contributions of black and female veterans, raising concerns about representation and inclusivity. The content taken down included biographies of awardees of the Medal of Honor and notable figures in military history, as highlighted by military news outlet Task & Purpose.
This removal aligns with a broader initiative by President Donald Trump to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the military and federal government. Arlington Cemetery, established on land once owned by Confederate General Robert E. Lee, is the final resting place for approximately 400,000 veterans.
On Friday, visitors to the cemetery's website discovered that internal links directing them to sections celebrating the "Notable Graves" of various minority veterans—including Gen. Colin L. Powell, the first black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—and the heroic Tuskegee Airmen were absent. Notably, information concerning Hector Santa Anna, a World War II bomber pilot, has also been taken down.
While some articles remain accessible through direct searches, major sections such as African American History, Hispanic American History, and Women's History are no longer prominently listed. Some information on figures like Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and female veterans from the Oscar-nominated film "The Six Triple Eight" still exists, but retrieving it requires more effort from users.
In response to the backlash, a cemetery spokesperson stated they are working on restoring the disputed content while ensuring it aligns with Trump’s directives and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s instructions. Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has been vocal about removing diversity initiatives from the military.
Critics, including Representative Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, have condemned the actions. “The whole thing is deeply concerning,” Smith remarked, emphasizing that issues with DEI should not overshadow the military's commitment to diversity.
This comes amidst significant reshuffling in the military, including the firing of Gen. CQ Brown, who advocated for diversity. The most recent Defense Department report indicates that 30% of the 2.03 million active-duty service members identify as minorities and one-fifth are women. As Arlington Cemetery navigates this contentious landscape, the response from the public and veterans alike will continue to shape the conversation on representation in military history.
This removal aligns with a broader initiative by President Donald Trump to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the military and federal government. Arlington Cemetery, established on land once owned by Confederate General Robert E. Lee, is the final resting place for approximately 400,000 veterans.
On Friday, visitors to the cemetery's website discovered that internal links directing them to sections celebrating the "Notable Graves" of various minority veterans—including Gen. Colin L. Powell, the first black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—and the heroic Tuskegee Airmen were absent. Notably, information concerning Hector Santa Anna, a World War II bomber pilot, has also been taken down.
While some articles remain accessible through direct searches, major sections such as African American History, Hispanic American History, and Women's History are no longer prominently listed. Some information on figures like Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and female veterans from the Oscar-nominated film "The Six Triple Eight" still exists, but retrieving it requires more effort from users.
In response to the backlash, a cemetery spokesperson stated they are working on restoring the disputed content while ensuring it aligns with Trump’s directives and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s instructions. Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has been vocal about removing diversity initiatives from the military.
Critics, including Representative Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, have condemned the actions. “The whole thing is deeply concerning,” Smith remarked, emphasizing that issues with DEI should not overshadow the military's commitment to diversity.
This comes amidst significant reshuffling in the military, including the firing of Gen. CQ Brown, who advocated for diversity. The most recent Defense Department report indicates that 30% of the 2.03 million active-duty service members identify as minorities and one-fifth are women. As Arlington Cemetery navigates this contentious landscape, the response from the public and veterans alike will continue to shape the conversation on representation in military history.
