Pentagon Ends Affirmative Action, Bans Race Consideration At Military Academies

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued directives banning the consideration of race, ethnicity, or sex in admissions at the U.S. military service academies, including West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy, mandating that candidates be evaluated exclusively on merit. This move effectively ends affirmative action policies at these academies, which had been allowed as a unique exception by the Supreme Court after its 2023 ruling against race-conscious admissions in higher education. Hegseth's memos also require a purge of educational materials related to diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and gender issues from the libraries of military educational institutions by a set deadline. The directives align with the Trump administration's broader efforts to eliminate DEI programs and content across the federal government and the military. The Pentagon expects the academies to confirm compliance within 30 days and to admit the highest-ranking candidates based on merit, including factors like athletic talent and prior military service. Officials argue that these policies will strengthen military readiness and maintain a culture of excellence by ensuring only the most qualified candidates are admitted and trained.