Julianne Moore’s ‘Freckleface Strawberry’ Censored by Trump Administration
Amidst the Trump administration’s crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Oscar-winning actress and children’s book author Julianne Moore has forcefully denounced the recent censorship of her book, "Freckleface Strawberry."
In a lengthy Instagram post, Moore expressed shock and dismay upon learning that her book had been removed from schools within the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). "It is a great shock for me to learn that my first book, Freckleface Strawberry, has been banned by the Trump Administration from schools run by the Department of Defense," wrote Moore, whose father is a Vietnam War veteran.
On Feb. 10, the Department of Defense announced that several books and learning materials had been removed from class curriculums and flagged for review. Among the banned titles were Moore’s "Freckleface Strawberry" and "Becoming Nicole," a biography of transgender actress Nicole Maines.
DoDEA spokesman Will Griffin stated in a statement to The Washington Post that the restrictions were in response to executive orders issued by President Donald Trump targeting discussions of the trans community in schools and the "radical indoctrination" of students via DEI. Griffin added that books "potentially related to gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology" would be placed under staff review.
The Department of Defense Education Activity operates 161 accredited schools for the children of military families, overseeing educational programs from pre-K through 12th grade.
"Freckleface Strawberry," released in 2007, is a semi-autobiographical story about a 7-year-old girl who embraces her freckles. The LeUyen Pham-illustrated picture book has spawned numerous sequels and adaptations, including a 2010 stage musical.
"It is a book I wrote for my children and for other kids to remind them that we all struggle but are united by our humanity and our community," Moore wrote on Instagram. She emphasized her personal connection to the issue, recalling her attendance at Frankfurt American High School, a DoDEA school in Germany.
"I am truly saddened by this DoD ban," Moore continued. "I never thought I would see this in a country where freedom of speech and expression is a constitutional right. It is galling for me to realize that kids like me, growing up with a parent in the service and attending a @dodea_edu school will not have access to a book written by someone whose life experience is so similar to their own."
Since taking office, Trump has repeatedly targeted DEI initiatives. Executive orders have terminated DEI programs in the federal government, ordered executive branch agencies to place DEI employees on leave, and mandated the removal of DEI from the military.
Moore’s celebrity colleagues expressed dismay over the ban in the comments section of her Instagram post. Michelle Pfeiffer exclaimed, "Are you joking??🤯😡😮," while Bella Thorne wrote, "Wow this is crazy." Helena Christensen commented, "This decision is eerie and downright ridiculous."
Others echoed the outrage, with Debi Mazar stating, "This is horrific😢💔," and Chloë Grace Moretz questioning, "Literally why??"
Julianne Moore’s denunciation of the censorship and her fellow celebrities’ support have ignited a debate over the role of DEI in education and the limits of censorship in a free society.
