Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC Opposes Provisions to Cut Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives in FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC) joined several other civil rights organizations to send a letter to Congress opposing provisions within the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that dismantle and forbid diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and other efforts to promote equal opportunity in the Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. military.
Advancing Justice – AAJC issues the following statement on the proposed Act:
“The strength and sustained success of our military lies not just in numbers, but in the unique ability to bring together the talents and skills of Americans from all backgrounds. A military with diverse perspectives, cultures and life experiences is one that is agile, collaborative, and resilient in their mission to defend our country. There has long been broad acknowledgment that investments in equal opportunity within the armed forces are critical to mission success.
“As the letter notes, ‘Despite broad recognition that a fighting force representative of the entire nation is essential to the military fulfilling its mission, the FY26 NDAA includes provisions that would strip away those very tools and drive potential recruits away from a career in service to this country. While the current administration has already overhauled the Department of Defense by dismantling offices and initiatives dedicated to promoting equal opportunity, these provisions would go further, codifying those changes through statutory amendments. Specifically, they would repeal statutory language requiring the Department of Defense to establish and report on strategic goals related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, administer programs to promote diversity in military leadership, and employ a Chief Diversity Officer. They would also repeal statutory requirements designed to enhance Inspector General investigations of supremacist, extremist, or criminal gang activity in the military. Most disturbingly, these provisions prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion practices moving forward, binding future administrations to the same misguided policies. None of these measures serve any legitimate purpose or contribute in any way to the strength, readiness, or cohesion of the U.S. military.’
“Initiatives such as programs to promote diversity in military leadership, affinity groups, and employee resources groups are sorely needed. We urge members of Congress to oppose these new provisions in the NDAA. Diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are not merely symbolic – they are essential to recruitment and to the prevention of discrimination and harassment of service members who come from historically marginalized backgrounds. Funding our military should not come at the expense of cohesion and strength. To do so undermines our national security and our values of equal opportunity for all.”
The full letter can be read here.
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