Pentagon School Book Ban Targets LGBTQ+ Literature and Leftist Themes

On July 11, a U.S. district court made public a detailed list of 596 books prohibited from being used in schools managed by the Pentagon. This list emerged from a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union against the Department of Defense Education Activity and prominently features material discussing sexual LGBTQ+ themes directed at minors, as well as diversity, equity, inclusion, and other socially progressive topics.

Nicole Kiprilov, the executive director of DOD Watch, criticized the presence of such literature in schools, asserting that they should not be venues for what she characterized as leftist propaganda. According to her, the aim is not to restrict freedom of ideas but rather to prevent what she sees as the indoctrination of military children with ideologies that contradict fundamental American values essential for child development.

A Book about Bodies, Feelings, and YOU,” touted as a vital resource on bodies and sexuality for young children and their parents.

Drag Queen Hero.” Also featured is a biography of Rachel Levine, the first openly transgender government official, co-authored by Chelsea Clinton.

Kiprilov emphasized that the Trump administration is dedicated to ensuring that educational materials in military schools align with service and patriotism, rejecting what she terms the "woke agenda" of bureaucratic activists. The administration has pushed to eliminate LGBTQ+ themes and other progressive content from public education, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth proposing a return to traditional military values. In response, nearly twenty House Democrats urged Hegseth to reconsider this policy, arguing that it infringes upon the constitutional rights of military families. The Pentagon has not yet commented on the recent developments.