The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has disbanded a dozen cadet clubs focused on ethnicity, gender, race, and sexuality in response to the Trump administration’s directive to eliminate diversity programs across the government. This move includes shutting down clubs like the Asian-Pacific Forum Club, Latin Cultural Club, National Society of Black Engineers Club, and Society of Women Engineers Club. Additionally, longstanding clubs like the Corbin Forum and Spectrum, a gay-straight alliance, have been closed to align with recent Army and Defense Department guidance.

President Trump’s executive order last month aimed to halt diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal government, leading to the suspension of these clubs. The memo from West Point also mandated a pause on activities for all other cadet clubs for review to ensure compliance with administration rules. The Academy stated that over one hundred clubs remain operational, emphasizing ongoing opportunities for cadets within policy boundaries.

Critics of diversity programs argue that they are discriminatory, while proponents highlight their role in supporting historically marginalized communities. The decision to disband these clubs raises concerns about inclusivity and the impact on building relationships across diverse backgrounds within the military academy setting. As the military service academies strive for greater racial and gender diversity, the discontinuation of these clubs may influence the campus climate and the experiences of cadets of color and women, who have faced challenges in overcoming hostility.