DODEA ADDS CERTAIN SCHOOL BOOKS TO A "DO NOT USE" LIST TO COMPLY WITH TRUMP ORDERS
The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is being ordered to change its curriculum and to remove books from schools. President Donald Trump's banned book list is sure to grow as military families face less access to information in libraries and in the classroom.
Is Trump Banning Books?
While proponents argue that Trump’s banned book list is a myth, many experts point to ongoing executive orders requiring the elimination of certain books and materials in educational systems tied to the federal government as proof that it’s real.
There are ways for students to access banned books and it’s conceivable that books banned from libraries may still be allowed among students, but not retrievable on campus.
Nevertheless, schools are already having restrictions confirmed by DoDEA Director of Communications Will Griffin, and local campuses issuing emails warning parents of possible disruptions.
Trump’s “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” and “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling” EOs are forcing the DoDEA to review policies and resources already in place to make sure they meet the guidelines of the President.
Race, Gender, and Sexuality
Books and curricula facing potential bans from Trump are those dealing with the subjects of race, gender, and sexuality.
Learning materials that are not deemed suitable under the new regulations are labeled “do not use,” with students impacted from elementary through high school.
The results are already coming in as multiple learning materials are under review as of this writing, including a chapter on sexuality and gender in a high school textbook, lessons about Veteran Albert Cashier, a potentially trans warfighter, and content involving health for middle schoolers along with elementary school lessons involving immigration.
Furthermore, the book Becoming Nicole, a nonfiction account of a transgender activist, has also been banned from a reading list for students.
Not Just Libraries
While the Trump book ban list is censoring libraries, there are several other areas of education already feeling the effects of the EO.
Over 67,000 students fall under the DoDEA and lesson plans need revision, along with book selections, before certain materials become accessible again.
Still, this method is unclear. Schools will need to fall in line by February 18, 2025, and as of this writing, it’s unclear if materials found to be acceptable would be reinstated at all.
Why Is Trump Banning Books?
Trump’s growing book ban list isn’t just because his administration chose to censor learning materials, it’s part of a wider agenda to eliminate diversity, equality, and inclusion throughout the federal government.
Not only did Trump issue the EOs but the DoD followed suit with its own order, where each military branch sent out its own version of what needs to be done to ensure compliance.
Everything from the elimination of a dozen cadet clubs involving race, gender, and sexuality at West Point to ending official celebrations of Black History Month has been taking place.
Trump’s book ban restricts access to libraries until the reviews are completed, includes personal books belonging to teachers, and is only part of the administration’s overall goal.
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