At the beginning of April, the office of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told the Naval Academy to conduct a review of all of the books in its library and remove any that promote DEI, or diversity, equity, and inclusion. The directive was triggered by an Executive Order President Trump signed in January that banned DEI curriculum, instruction, and programs in any kindergarten through 12th grade schools that receive federal funding.
But the Naval Academy, along with the other major military academies of the United States, instructs adults. The students at these academies prepare to utilize weapons and engage in combat. Graduates will come in contact with people from a variety of cultures and perspectives around the world. Books in a library should not be perceived as a threat to them.
The USNA website states its mission:
To develop Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor and loyalty in order to graduate leaders who are dedicated to a career of naval service and have potential for future development in mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.
Nevertheless, when word got out that the Naval Academy hadn’t yet purged books supporting DEI, and Secretary Hegseth planned a visit to Annapolis, leaders at the school got busy reviewing titles. They used a keyword search to find books that might promote DEI and turned up over 900 titles. The Academy ultimately removed almost 400 books from the Nimitz Library shelves. You can find the list online, and many of the titles pulled address racism, women’s studies, gender identity, and other non-fiction titles. An analysis of Hemingway’s novels appeared on the list, as well as Maya Angelous’ memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
The removal of the books at USNA prompted this response from Jonathan Friedman, PEN America’s managing director for U.S. Free Expression programs.
“The U.S. Navy has long and properly prided itself on training officers who broadly understood the world and could serve this country in war and peace, as fighters and diplomats. This narrowing of the Naval mind is a retreat from the best of what the Navy has stood for. Books are not the enemy; ignorance is the enemy.”
Most of the books were non-fiction, but one, a historical fiction novel called Horse by Geraldine Brooks, also was removed. I recently read Horse, before the DEI Executive Order. I’m perplexed by the book purge at military academies in general, and about Brooks’s novel in particular. It’s a well written piece of fiction that explores the bonds between horse and groom, art and science, and the history of slavery in our country.
The Premise of Horse
Using beautiful language, Horse alternates timelines to tell the story of an extraordinary thoroughbred horse, Lexington. This horse actually lived in Kentucky in the mid-19th century and amazed racing enthusiasts with his power and endurance. In Horse, readers meet the fictional enslaved groom Jarrett who cares for Lexington and undoubtedly contributes to his success. In the modern timeline, a Smithsonian scientist from Australia and a Nigerian-American art historian cross paths and become romantically entangled as they research Lexington’s legacy.
What I liked
The modern narrative is set in D.C., one of my favorite cities. I enjoyed Brooks’s language around art – colors, brushstrokes, lighting. I’m not a horse lover, but I enjoyed how beautifully Brooks articulates the bond between animal and human. For me, the relationship between Jarrett and Lexington, and Jarrett’s character arc, were the most satisfying parts of the story.
What I didn’t like
The ending for the modern narrative doesn’t provide much by way of resolution. While the scientist and art historian explore new ideas and complicated aspects of race in their relationship, ultimately, neither character achieves satisfying change. I’m not sure what that says about the author’s perspective on our current society.
Recommendation
If you enjoy horses, art, or historical fiction, I recommend Horse by Geraldine Brooks. If you are interested in following how our current president is influencing culture and the discussion around history, I suggest you read from a variety of sources and review the list of 300 over books purged from the USNA. As of April 16, leaders at the Air Force Academy, West Point, and other military training schools have received orders to review, and if necessary, remove books that promote DEI.
Thanks for getting nerdy with me!
