The intelligence agency of the Department of Defense has decided to suspend a series of annual events dedicated to the history and culture of marginalized groups. This decision comes in response to the executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which eliminated federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in the workplace.
Among the affected celebrations are Black History Month, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Pride Month, and other initiatives aimed at recognizing the value of diversity within the country’s social fabric.
The decision, officially confirmed anonymously by a government official, is part of the complex implementation of the presidential order. The memorandum published by the DIA lists 11 annual events that will be suspended until further notice. However, the document clarifies that both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth will remain federal holidays.
The internal note includes the phrase: “We are receiving questions about the direction we intend to take,” reflecting the confusion generated by the lack of guidance from the White House on how to manage this policy.
In relation to the new provisions, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the Pentagon is forming a task force to ensure the full implementation of the order, with the aim of excluding any “manipulation” of DEI initiatives.
Some fear that the plan may also have consequences for the armed forces, following a recent incident. The Air Force had temporarily removed videos dedicated to the Tuskegee Airmen and the women pilots of World War II, key figures in the nation’s history. The removal of these contents sparked strong public backlash, but the Air Force later assured that the story of these heroes would be preserved.
In the context of a state that seems increasingly polarized, the debate continues to cause divisions. Although Trump announced his intention to end what he considers a “divisive policy,” the issue remains complex and intrinsically tied to the perception that civil rights and the recognition of minorities are essential to the national identity.
