Air Force pulls Tuskegee Airmen curriculum from class after DEI order

The Air Force has reportedly pulled a curriculum involving Tuskegee Airmen and women pilots for review to comply with the president’s order to cease diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Air Force DEI Classes

The one-day program titled “Airmindedness,” included videos on the Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs, as well as an inspirational-style recruiting video called Breaking Barriers.

On his first day in office, the president ended DEI initiatives, which has already impacted programs at multiple agencies.

Trainee troops were previously shown footage of pioneering Tuskegee Airmen and women as part of DEI courses during basic military training.

Air Force Tuskegee Airmen

The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of around 1,000 black pilots who were trained at a segregated air base in Alabama between 1941 and 1946.

They flew hundreds of patrol and attack missions during the war, escorting American bombing crews over Europe.

WASPS

Lessons on Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, have also been removed from the curriculum, according to reports.

The female pilots were vital in transporting new planes bound for fighting in Europe from the factories where they were produced. Their contribution was later recognized honoring the women the right to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery, which is reserved for military personnel.

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Breaking Barriers

The service also reportedly shut down its barrier analysis working groups, which sought to expand opportunities for members of underrepresented groups to become pilots and reach other goals in the Air Force.

The “Breaking Barriers” video that was part of the now-pulled class includes clips of aircraft, from early Wright Flyers to stealth B-2 bombers, and pioneering airmen as it discusses the history and accomplishments of the Air Force. Later, the video displays a cockpit image of now-retired Brig. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, the first female fighter pilot in U.S. history.

An Air Force official told CBS News: “Immediate steps were taken to remove curriculum that is now under review to ensure compliance with Executive Orders issued by the president.

“Historical videos were interwoven into US Air Force and Space Force curriculum and were not the direct focus of course removal actions. Additional details on curriculum updates will be provided when they’re available.”

Executive order on DEI initiatives and programs

DEI initiatives are designed to increase minority participation in the workforce and educate employees about discrimination.

Upon signing the executive order, Trump and other critics say the training is discriminatory because it takes race, gender, sexual identity or other characteristics into consideration.