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In the first month of Donald Trump’s presidency, he has signed numerous executive orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion. These orders were described as the “death of identity months,” seeing as the U.S. Department of Defense put out a release essentially prohibiting cultural awareness celebrations, saying they create division.
These actions remove recognitions of events like Women’s History Month, Holocaust Remembrance Day and a plethora of others. Google has also removed these events from their calendars.
First, let’s paint this for what it clearly is. An attack on these events under the guise of removing DEI policies for a more “inclusive” America, and blatant disrespect towards cultures and events that are important to American history.
The goal seems to be to create a sense of blindness between Americans. Blindness creates ignorance, ignorance in turn, leads to the repetition of history.
Now more than ever it’s important that we unite to celebrate all the different cultures within our country. As Americans we need to fully understand why these events and remembrances exist.
A lot of these events and celebrations were recently implemented in the context of time.
For example, Women’s History Month was first authorized by Congress in 1981. After Congress recognizes these celebrations, many presidents choose to issue proclamations in celebration of these months that ultimately honor DEI as a whole. President Trump even did this during his first term as well. This is a direct example of the unity these remembrances and months of recognition create.
If you’re wondering how to celebrate these events, particularly if you’re a college student, one way to do so is to look at the campus events. Kuumba Night is a monthly event that showcases Black culture through the unity of Black students on campus. As Black History Month comes to an end, the university has provided a website of events upcoming for Women’s History Month.
The last event I’ll mention is one that The Department of Defense removed that originated in part from the military. National Disability Employment Awareness Month began in 1945 as World War II veterans returned home disabled and seeking employment.
It eventually expanded to include all disabilities to further provide a platform for workplace inclusion. To remove this event, especially in the military, is a slap in the face to those who have been permanently disabled due to their service for this country.
Taking National Disability Employment Awareness Month away also prevents the military departments from using their resources to help spread awareness for soldiers injured in action.
Recently confirmed, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the phrase “diversity is our greatest strength” was the dumbest phrase in military history. Not only is that strongly incorrect, as the important war efforts of our history have been spearheaded by all races and genders, but it is also incredibly offensive to all the different people and races who have played a role in the U.S. military.
When you apply that statement to the real world the same holds true, America is a diverse mix of people and it’s important we unite to celebrate all the different cultures that have contributed great things to U.S. society.
Stone O’Bryant is a columnist. Contact him at [email protected].