The removal of the Tuskegee Airmen from the Air Force’s curriculum “should have never happened,” according to U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham).
Democrats claimed over the weekend that the Air Force would no longer teach Tuskegee Airmen history due to President Donald Trump's recent DEI executive order.
The Air Force Times reported on Saturday that an Air Force spokesperson said, "The videos themselves were not targeted for removal, but BMT classes that include diversity materials were pulled and are now under review to make sure they are in compliance with this week's executive orders."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday that the Air Force will continue to teach recruits about the history of the Tuskegee Airmen at basic training. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) said the Tuskegee Airmen materials being included in the Air Force's DEI review was a result of "malicious compliance."
Sewell said in a statement on Monday, “While I am relieved that our collective calls have forced the Trump Administration to reverse course, the removal of the Tuskegee Airmen from the Air Force curriculum should have never happened in the first place. We should all see the Trump Administration’s attacks on DEI for what they really are—an attempt to whitewash our history and devalue the contributions of African Americans.”
“Throughout the next four years, we as Americans will need to remain especially vigilant against attacks on Black history, and as elected officials, we should be prepared to call them out. I hope we can continue to do so in a bipartisan manner,” Sewell said.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
