NWLC Condemns Push to Ban Trans Service Members and Diversity and Inclusion Efforts in the Military
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 28) – President Trump signed executive orders last night that seek to restrict transgender service members and eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives from the military. This follows the confirmation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has repeatedly expressed hostility to inclusion efforts focused on women, LGBTQI+ people, and people of color in the military.
One of the orders directs the Department of Defense to move forward with efforts to prohibit trans people from serving in the military, endangering the livelihood of many current service members and their families and stigmatizing those who have successfully served our nation. If implemented as intended, this ban may be even more restrictive than one Trump enacted during his first term, which the Biden administration overturned. Another executive order directs an end to all diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the military, halting programs and initiatives that ensure our military can benefit from the talents and skills of service members who are women, Black and people of color, LGBTQI+, and of other underrepresented groups. Ending such programs also would undermine the military’s ability to address the discrimination and harassment many such service members face.
“Donald Trump’s executive orders are not only cruel, discriminatory, and wrapped in disinformation, but they will make all of us less safe. Throughout our military’s history, thousands of transgender people have served with honor, integrity, and bravery. Attempting to ban them is an insult to their humanity and the contributions that they have made,” said Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center.
“Additionally, Trump’s decision to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives will lead to further harassment in our ranks, making underrepresented service members a greater target for discrimination. Already we are hearing reports of anti-harassment policies being taken down based on the order to end equity and inclusion initiatives, which is appalling, misguided, and a gross insult to those who serve. Everyone, regardless of race, gender or sex, should be able to work with dignity— including in the military — without fear of discrimination and harassment. We will continue to fight against these harmful abuses of power.”