Mezha: Pete Hegseth is reshaping the U.S. Department of Defense school system, which serves about 66,000 children of American service members around the world. This is happening even though students consistently score above the national average on federal tests.
Banned books and new teaching rules
Schools must remove hundreds of books from students’ access, including works about race, sexism, and LGBTQ+ issues. In a memo to staff, employees were instructed to remove printed copies and store them in a secure location. The Pentagon will monitor compliance. The book ban is being challenged in federal court.
The department is preparing a curriculum based on the principles of classical education and focused on the Western canon. It is also expanding school choice options for military families. Starting in January, teachers must read two novels from the principal’s list with students and use prepared lesson plans. The plans cannot be changed or supplemented.
In June, the school system’s leadership presented a plan to introduce classical education, and in the fall it launched an online course on Western history. The course is expected to be taught in classrooms as well.
Criticism of changes to Department of Defense schools
Critics say the changes promote conservative ideology and narrow the range of topics students can study. For more than a year, schools have not held events or used materials for Women’s History Month or Black History Month. Court filings also describe restrictions on content related to transgender issues.
Former school system director Tom Brady expressed concern that the schools could become a testing ground for the current administration’s policies. A Pentagon spokesperson, meanwhile, said that a stronger emphasis on classical education and civics is intended to broaden the curriculum and help students develop critical-thinking and communication skills. The changes therefore affect both classroom materials and teaching approaches in schools for the children of American service members.
Prophetic Link:
“As then, so now, the State church will be the censor of men’s conscientious convictions, and the liberty of a man to think for himself will be taken away.” The Blair Educational Amendment, 17.2