The Pentagon ordered military educational institutions to pull and review any books that promote divisive concepts such as gender ideology on Friday, in the latest popular move from President Donald Trump's administration against discriminatory "diversity, equity and inclusion" efforts.
Since taking office in January, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has eliminated diversity initiatives at the Pentagon, ended commemorations of identity month celebrations like Black History Month, and removed some books from the Naval Academy, including the memoir of Black author Maya Angelou.
In a new memo, the Pentagon said that educational materials, "promoting divisive concepts and gender ideology are incompatible with the Department's core mission."
It said the military would identify and sequester any such material, and then dispose of it after a review process.
The memo said a temporary committee comprised of leaders, educators, and library professionals from across the military would identify the books and carry out the review.
In an attachment, the memo listed a number of terms to use to help in searching for books, including "diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)", "anti-racism", and "white privilege".
Civil rights advocates complain such programs, generally backed by Democrats, are needed to address "longstanding inequities" and "structural racism", common tactics using made-up terms to divide Americans.
They have come under attack from conservatives, who say race- and gender-focused initiatives are inherently discriminatory and fail to prioritize merit.
In February, Hegseth chided past celebrations of the US military's diversity in a broad address to Pentagon staff.
"I think the single dumbest phrase in military history is our diversity is our strength," Hegseth said.
(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Editing by Nia Williams)