Controversy Erupts as Trump Administration Allegedly Removes Diversity Content from Arlington National Cemetery Website
Arlington National Cemetery, a revered site of national significance and the final resting place for over 400,000 American heroes, has become embroiled in a controversy surrounding the alleged removal of content related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from its official website. Reports indicate that the Trump administration, under the direction of then-Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, implemented a sweeping effort to eliminate references to DEI and related issues across the Department of Defense (DOD), with the Arlington National Cemetery website seemingly caught in the crosshairs.
The alleged actions have sparked widespread criticism from historians, educators, and politicians who argue that the removal of such content constitutes an attempt to erase the contributions of diverse groups to American history and military service. Critics contend that Arlington National Cemetery, as a symbol of national unity and sacrifice, should reflect the diversity of the nation it represents.
Prior to the alleged changes, visitors to the Arlington National Cemetery website could access information and resources about notable African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and women interred at the cemetery. These resources included educational lesson plans, walking tours, and profiles of individuals who had made significant contributions to the nation. However, these links and pages have reportedly been unpublished, altered, or hidden, raising concerns about the accessibility of information about these diverse groups.
One now-missing page on the cemetery’s website, uncovered through the Wayback Machine by Internet Archive, contained links to 14 educational lesson plans focused on African Americans, including walking tours and a unit on the Tuskegee Airmen, the celebrated group of African American pilots who served in World War II. A similar lesson plan page dedicated to the Borinqueneers, a distinguished unit of Puerto Rican soldiers recognized for their service in multiple wars, has also reportedly become more difficult to find.
The removal of these resources has raised concerns about the potential impact on education and historical understanding. Historians and educators argue that these materials are essential for teaching students about the diverse backgrounds and experiences of those who have served and sacrificed for the nation. The absence of this information could lead to a skewed or incomplete understanding of American history and military service.
Kevin Levin, a historian and educator specializing in Civil War history, brought attention to the changes in a newsletter published on March 8. He emphasized that Arlington National Cemetery’s story is inherently one of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that the Trump administration’s actions risk erasing this crucial aspect of American history.
In response to inquiries from USA TODAY, the cemetery stated that some of the removed content is being restored while adhering to the directives from the Trump administration and the DOD. However, the cemetery did not specify which pages would be restored or when the restoration would occur, leaving uncertainty about the extent of the changes and their potential impact.
The alleged removal of DEI-related content from the Arlington National Cemetery website is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to eliminate references to DEI and related issues across the DOD. This effort was reportedly spearheaded by then-Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who created a task force to oversee the removal of DEI offices and the cessation of activities promoting ideologies related to systemic racism or gender fluidity.
The DOD’s justification for these actions is rooted in the belief that DEI policies are incompatible with the department’s values and that the primary mission of the DOD is to win the nation’s wars. Hegseth argued that a lethal fighting force should reward individual initiative, excellence, and hard work based on merit, suggesting that DEI initiatives could undermine these principles.
Critics of the Trump administration’s actions argue that DEI is not about undermining merit but rather about creating a level playing field for individuals from diverse backgrounds. They contend that a diverse and inclusive military is a stronger military, as it draws on the talents and experiences of a wider range of individuals.
The removal of DEI-related content has also extended to other DOD websites, including those of military branches and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These changes have reportedly targeted mentions of Black History Month and Pride Month, which celebrates gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, and transgender individuals.
The DOD’s efforts to eradicate references to DEI have also led to unintended consequences. The Associated Press reported that key word searches used to flag content inadvertently flagged photos of the Enola Gay, the B-29 bomber that dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. This incident highlights the potential for overreach and unintended censorship in the DOD’s efforts to remove DEI-related content.
Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, criticized the changes as an egregious insult to those who have served the country. He argued that focusing on so-called culture wars is a waste of time and resources, and that the DOD should focus on real issues to address inefficiency.
The controversy surrounding the alleged removal of DEI-related content from the Arlington National Cemetery website and other DOD websites underscores the ongoing debate about the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in American society and institutions. Critics argue that the Trump administration’s actions represent an attempt to erase the contributions of diverse groups to American history and military service, while supporters contend that these actions are necessary to ensure that the focus remains on merit and national security.
The long-term impact of these changes remains to be seen. As the nation continues to grapple with issues of race, gender, and equality, the debate over the representation of diversity in historical narratives and public institutions is likely to persist. The controversy surrounding the Arlington National Cemetery website serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the diverse stories of those who have served and sacrificed for the nation.
