Students at Overseas Military Schools Protest Rollback of Diversity Initiatives
Students at Department of Defense-run high schools in Germany and South Korea are planning a large-scale walkout to protest the recent dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The initiative, spearheaded by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has led to significant changes within the Defense Department Education Activity (DoDEA), the school system for children of U.S. military personnel stationed both domestically and abroad.
The planned protest, expected to be the largest in DoDEA history, involves students from Ramstein High School in Germany, Humphreys High School in South Korea, and Kaiserslautern High School, also located near Ramstein Air Base. The students, who have requested to be identified only by their first names to protect their parents from potential retaliation, cite a dramatic shift in the school environment over the past month.
Hegseth’s directive to eliminate DEI programs across the military has resulted in tangible changes within DoDEA schools. According to students, these changes include the suspension of club meetings, the removal of books from library shelves, and the discontinuation of certain curriculum components.
Specifically, at Ramstein High School, the LGBTQ Pride Club and other cultural clubs, such as the Black Student Union, the Asian Cultural Association, and the Ramstein Hispanic Heritage Club, have been impacted. These clubs, previously spaces for students to connect and celebrate diverse identities, are now unable to meet. The reasoning provided is that holding meetings indoors constitutes the use of federal resources, as DoDEA provides the space, electricity, and heating for these meetings.
The removal of books from school libraries has also sparked significant concern among students. Classics like "Fahrenheit 451," "1984," "To Kill a Mockingbird," and "Catcher in the Rye" have been temporarily pulled from the shelves pending a review for diversity concepts and language. Students view this as a form of censorship and an attempt to erase history.
Changes in the curriculum have also been unsettling for students. Lessons on LGBTQ-related psychology and sex education have reportedly been removed from courses. These changes have left students feeling that their education is being compromised and that important topics are being avoided.
A spokesperson for DoDEA, William Griffin, acknowledged that the books were removed temporarily as the organization is reviewing its policies and instructional resources to ensure compliance with the new policies on DEI. However, he did not provide a definitive timeline for when the review would be completed or which specific materials were affected.
The students’ concerns extend beyond the removal of resources and programs. Some students have reported experiencing increased harassment and discrimination since the implementation of the DEI rollback. Tristan, an LGBTQ student at Ramstein High School, stated that he has been targeted with homophobic remarks and that he and his boyfriend have faced ridicule in public spaces like the commissary.
The lack of transparency and clear communication from Defense Department officials regarding the new policies has also created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among students. They are unsure of the full extent of the changes and why certain programs have been discontinued. This lack of clarity has led to paranoia and a reluctance to discuss sensitive topics openly.
Despite these challenges, students are determined to make their voices heard. The planned walkout is a culmination of their frustration and a demonstration of their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Students at Ramstein High School have worked closely with school administrators to organize the protest, and the school has been supportive in ensuring the safety of participants.
DoDEA has acknowledged the students’ right to engage in peaceful expressions of their opinions, provided that it is done respectfully, does not interfere with the rights of others, and does not disrupt learning. However, some students remain concerned about potential repercussions for themselves or their parents.
The planned walkout signifies the students’ strong belief in the importance of diversity and inclusion and their determination to stand up against what they perceive as an attack on these values. The students hope that their protest will send a message to the Defense Department and the wider community about the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. They want other students to feel empowered to speak up against injustice and to use their voices to advocate for change. The students are resolved to continue their fight for equality and inclusion in their schools and beyond.
