in effect
This is Executive Order 14185, “Restoring America’s Fighting Force,” signed January 27, 2025, and published in the Federal Register on February 3, 2025. It directs the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security (specifically for the U.S. Coast Guard) to end Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the Armed Forces and to operate without any preference based on race or sex.
It orders both departments to abolish every DEI office and any related sub-offices, programs, or initiatives. The Secretary of Defense must complete an internal review documenting past DEI actions and instances of race or sex discrimination within 90 days. Both departments must issue detailed implementation guidance within 30 days and submit a progress report within 180 days. The order also bars the Armed Forces and their schools (including the service academies) from teaching defined “divisive concepts,” “gender ideology,” or the idea that America’s founding documents are racist or sexist, and requires those schools to teach that America and its founding documents remain “the most powerful force for good in human history.” It includes standard clauses stating it creates no enforceable legal rights and is subject to available funding.
The order applies to the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security as it relates to the Coast Guard, and every element of the Armed Forces, including their educational institutions. Military and civilian leaders, staff in DEI roles, and instructors and curricula at the service academies are directly impacted. Employees, contractors, or consultants may not be hired to teach the prohibited topics.