Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the U.S. military are ineffective, according to a new study by Arizona State University’s Center for American Institutions.
The study argues that DEI training on social issues like “unconscious bias” and “intersectionality” contradicts typical American ideals. It reviewed DEI plans across military sectors, including staffing and education at academies like West Point.
“The massive DEI bureaucracy, its training, and its pseudo-scientific assessments are distractions that absorb valuable time and resources,” the executive summary states. “At worst, they communicate the opposite of the military ethos: that individual demographic differences come before team and mission.”
Donald Critchlow, the center’s director, highlighted the pervasive influence of critical race theory in military training, noting that DEI programs are widespread in the armed forces and service academies.
“The Founders of our nation understood and feared a politicized military. History had shown them that a politicized army easily became the tool of tyranny. The armed forces of the United States have proudly upheld this long tradition of separating mission from politics,” Critchlow wrote.
The study recommends eliminating DEI offices, although it acknowledges this may be politically challenging. It suggests prioritizing civic education focused on “America’s commitment to freedom and opportunity.”
This study comes as some military branches struggle with recruiting new service members.
