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3w ago

ACLU Sues Over Expanding Book Bans in Pentagon Schools and Naval Academy

The lawsuit accuses Pentagon officials of violating students' First Amendment rights and highlights the growing scope of censorship targeting race, gender, and LGBTQ topics.

Pete Hegseth, US secretary of defense, attends a news conference at the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Kiyoshi Ota/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
A shelf of frequently banned books on display at Sandmeyer’s Bookstore in Chicago on July 13, 2023. The titles, which include works exploring race, gender, and identity, have been at the center of recent book ban efforts across the country.
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Commander-in-Chief trophy presentation to the Navy Midshipman football team in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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Overview

  • The ACLU has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of 12 students from Pentagon-run schools, claiming the removal of books and curriculum changes violate their constitutional rights.
  • The censorship, driven by executive orders from President Trump, has expanded from K-12 military schools to higher education institutions, including the US Naval Academy.
  • Hundreds of books, including works on race, gender, and LGBTQ issues, have been removed, while controversial titles like 'Mein Kampf' remain available.
  • Students protesting the censorship measures have been warned of potential disciplinary action, raising further concerns about free speech suppression.
  • The lawsuit seeks the immediate reinstatement of banned books and curricula, emphasizing the harm to educational quality and students' access to diverse perspectives.