Students sue DoDEA over book removals citing First Amendment concerns

Students at Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools have been protesting recent book removals by the agency, tied to President Donald Trump's executive orders on race and gender. As a response to books and curricula being sidelined, a dozen students from six families are now legally challenging the department for actions they believe violate their First Amendment rights.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against the DoDEA in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The lawsuit highlights concerns that the DoDEA's compliance with the executive orders restricts students' access to information about their identities and history. Emerson Sykes from the ACLU stated, “Books were pulled from libraries. Black History Month was canceled. Specific chapters were pulled from curricula, specific modules were withdrawn. Health courses were canceled.”

Approximately 67,000 children attend the 161 DoDEA schools worldwide. Traditional school districts have not rushed to comply with the executive orders due to local control over curricula; however, the DoDEA, part of a federal agency, has complied. Representatives claim no books or curriculum have been banned but temporarily set aside for compliance review. The DoDEA spokespersons said they could not comment on active litigation.

Parents involved in the lawsuit, including Natalie Tolley, expressed concerns over curriculum changes implemented without parental input, arguing it limits children's rights to access important educational materials. She stated, “Implementing the restrictions without input from parents is a violation of our children’s right to access information that prevents them from learning about their own histories, bodies, and identities.”

The lawsuit claims that the DoDEA removed award-winning children’s books and discouraged students from protesting censorship. Reports state that the DoDEA has also interfered in the execution of Black History Month and other cultural awareness events.

Additional complaints include that AP courses on gender and sexuality have been altered. The lawsuit aims to address what it sees as unconstitutional restrictions on educational content, influenced by political concerns rather than pedagogical validity.

The situation is further complicated by a recent decision at the Naval Academy's Nimitz Library to remove 381 books on race, gender, and sexuality, to which civil rights organizations have objected. Among the books reportedly targeted are "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Both Sides Now," and "The Antiracist Kid."

Concerns rise over potential impacts on students' critical thinking abilities, with parents and advocates emphasizing the importance of diverse educational materials. The case may set precedents relating to educational content and students' rights within federal school systems.