Maya Angelou’s iconic autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” along with several books on the Holocaust, were recently removed from the U.S. Naval Academy’s Nimitz Library in Annapolis, Md. The decision to remove these 381 books was made due to their perceived connection to diversity, equity, and inclusion topics.
President Trump’s executive order in January banned materials related to D.E.I. from kindergarten through 12th-grade education. However, the Defense Secretary’s office extended this order to apply to the Naval Academy as well, despite it being a college institution.
Among the books removed were “Memorializing the Holocaust” by Janet Jacobs, “How to Be Anti-Racist” by Ibram X. Kendi, and “The Making of Black Lives Matter” by Christopher J. Lebron. The list also included works on the Ku Klux Klan, lynching in America, and studies on gender and sexuality, such as “Bodies in Doubt: An American History of Intersex” by Elizabeth Reis.
One of the most notable removals was Maya Angelou’s memoir, which has been praised for its transformative impact, especially among Black women and men. The book delves into Angelou’s experiences with racism and trauma, including a harrowing account of being raped at the age of 7. Oprah Winfrey has credited the book with helping her feel seen and understood, stating, “Somebody knows who I am.”
The removal process began on Monday evening at the Naval Academy, with most of the books being taken off the shelves before Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit on Tuesday afternoon.
The decision to remove these books has sparked controversy and debate, with many questioning the implications for academic freedom and the importance of diverse perspectives in education.
Helene Cooper contributed to the reporting of this article.
