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U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper says that the Pentagon will swiftly undertake a number of steps to address discrimination, prejudice and bias in the armed forces.

 for immediate implementation by the Pentagon. Among them:

The goal, Esper said in the memo, is "to promote the morale, cohesion, and readiness of the force."

Esper called the actions "a necessary first step," but said he has "no illusions" that these initial changes will fully address the concerns he has heard from many service members. 

 "These actions identified today will better ensure a diverse workforce at all levels, an inclusive environment, and equal opportunity for all who serve," Esper said in 

 on Wednesday. "But hard work remains as efforts to shift our culture requires steadfast attention. I look forward to receiving the recommendations of the Board and making further progress on these issues."

The Defense Department's new Board on Diversity and Inclusion also met as a group for the first time on Wednesday, Esper said.  

In 2017, President Trump announced a ban on transgender people serving in the military, though 

Earlier this month, recent U.S. Military Academy graduates sent West Point leaders a 40-page letter 

 the removal of names, monuments and art honoring the Confederacy; an investigation of the disciplinary system for racially discriminatory punishments; and improved anti-racism training.

The different branches of the military have their own hairstyle and grooming regulations. Rules about natural Black hairstyles have set off debates before. In 2014, the U.S. Army 

 cornrows larger than a quarter-inch, offending and dismaying many Black military women. The Army later 

Politics and Government News

Social Issues

Conversations around race and racial justice

Laurel Wamsley

Author

Esper called the actions "a necessary first step," but said he has "no illusions" that these initial changes will fully address the concerns he has heard from many service members. 


Defense Secretary Esper announces actions to address discrimination in U.S. military

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