Hey looks, Trump's DEI stance is targeting veterans
"A video describing the exploits of the groundbreaking African American airmen, whose combat service during World War II became the stuff of legend, has been removed from the instructional curriculum for new recruits at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, the hub of Air Force basic training.
Trump, in his inaugural address on Monday, vowed to "end the government policy of trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life." The same day, he signed an executive order dismantling federal DEI programs. On Tuesday, the new administration placed DEI officials on leave and ordered agencies to spike postings or advertisements promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
The effects were felt almost immediately at Lackland. A memo circulated among Air Force personnel said that "in accordance with NEW DEIA Guidance," portions of the basic training curriculum were being revised "immediately." DEIA stands for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
The memo said a video on the Tuskegee Airmen had been excised from a course on "airmindedness," a term for the habits and values the Air Force seeks to instill.
Also deleted were a second video titled "Breaking Barriers" and a third about the Women Airforce Service Pilots, an organization of civilian women who tested and delivered military aircraft during World War II, transported cargo and trained male pilots. Members of WASP were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2009.