Federal Judge Orders Pentagon to Restore LGBTQ+ Books and Diversity Lessons in Military Schools

A United States federal judge has ordered the Pentagon to return nearly 600 books—most with LGBTQ+ themes and diverse perspectives—to the shelves of military school libraries and classrooms nationwide, overturning policies enacted during the Trump administration that targeted gender, diversity, and inclusion materials. The order also extends to the restoration of educational content on gender identity and diversity, which had been removed from curricula in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools that serve children of military service members .

The decision, handed down by Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, follows a high-profile lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and a group of military families, who argued that the bans violated students’ First Amendment rights and undermined access to a full and accurate education .

The bans originated from executive orders issued early in the Trump administration, which directed all federal agencies to eliminate references to “gender ideology”—a term used by some conservatives to refer to transgender identities—and to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) materials from government programs. In response, Pentagon officials initiated an extensive review, resulting in the removal of 596 books from DoDEA school libraries, along with the deletion of online resources and lesson plans addressing the experiences of minorities, women, and LGBTQ+ people .

Titles pulled included children’s biographies of transgender public figures such as Chaz Bono, Lana Wachowski, Laverne Cox, and Rachel Levine, as well as award-winning novels exploring LGBTQ+ relationships and coming-of-age experiences. Graphic novels like “Heartstopper,” which chronicles the romance of two teenage boys and includes characters of diverse gender identities, were also banned—despite their critical acclaim and popularity with students .

Educational materials covering the history of the Stonewall riots, a watershed event in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and study guides for Advanced Placement Psychology—which includes modules on gender identity—were similarly removed . The ACLU and its co-plaintiffs argued that these actions amounted to a broad erasure of marginalized voices and violated the constitutional rights of students and their families .

The ACLU’s lawsuit, filed in April, represented a dozen DoDEA students and their families, seeking to block the Pentagon from enforcing the bans and to restore all removed materials. During court proceedings, Judge Giles ordered the Department of Defense to release the full list of banned titles, rejecting government arguments that the list was “pre-decisional” and protected by ongoing policy review .

In her final ruling, Judge Giles stated that the Pentagon’s actions infringed on students’ First Amendment rights and failed to provide a compelling educational justification for the sweeping removals. She ordered all 596 titles and related educational content to be restored “without delay,” emphasizing that “children in military communities deserve access to the full diversity of American perspectives and experiences—including those of LGBTQ+ individuals and other historically marginalized groups” .

LGBTQ+ advocates and military family organizations welcomed the decision as a significant victory for equality and educational freedom. Emerson Sykes, senior staff attorney with the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy and Technology Project, said in a statement: “Kids on military bases have the same First Amendment rights that we all enjoy, and that their parents swore an oath to defend. Yet the administration has forced schools to remove titles like ‘A Is for Activist’ and ‘Julian Is a Mermaid’ that reflect the vibrant and diverse world we live in. All 596 of these books must be returned to shelves immediately” .

For many LGBTQ+ students and children from minority backgrounds, access to affirming literature and accurate history lessons can be pivotal for personal development and mental health. Advocates note that representation in curriculum and libraries is linked to reduced bullying, increased understanding among peers, and improved academic outcomes .

The ACLU of Kentucky, a co-plaintiff in the case, highlighted that the removed titles also included works on the history of slavery, Native American cultures, and women’s achievements, underscoring the intersectional nature of the bans and their broad impact on educational opportunity .

Military families, who often move frequently and rely on DoDEA schools for consistency, have expressed relief at the judge’s order. Many parents and educators view the restoration of the books and curriculum as essential not only for LGBTQ+ students, but for fostering empathy, civic awareness, and respect for diversity among all children in military communities .

Legal experts suggest the ruling could have broader ramifications for public schools and educational policy beyond the military system, especially as book bans and curriculum restrictions continue to be debated in state legislatures and school boards nationwide .

As DoDEA schools begin the process of returning the banned materials, advocates hope the decision will serve as a model for inclusive educational practices and a reaffirmation of constitutional protections for all students, regardless of background or identity .