Students at a Defense Department-run high school on Ramstein Air Base in Germany are planning a protest in response to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s efforts to eliminate diversity education across the military. Hegseth has condemned the phrase ‘diversity is our strength’ and directed the military to remove all diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, including banning transgender people from serving and ending identity months like Black History Month.
The students, with support from others at high schools in South Korea and nearby Kaiserslautern, fear retaliation against their parents who are servicemembers or employees if they protest openly. They are upset about the removal of classic novels from shelves, course curriculum changes, and restrictions on clubs like the LGBTQ Pride Club.
Despite DoDEA’s statement that students can hold non-curriculum-related clubs, students say they are being prevented from meeting due to restrictions on indoor gatherings that use federal resources. Books have been removed for review, including classics like Fahrenheit 451 and To Kill a Mockingbird. Critics say this erases history and undermines education.
Students are planning a demonstration at the Air Force and NATO headquarters on the base, hoping to draw attention to their concerns and show that they have a voice. They stress the need for clarity from Defense Department officials on the new policies and fear the atmosphere of paranoia and fear that has been created by the changes.
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