The U.S.Ā AirĀ ForceĀ on Sunday said it will resume instruction of trainees using a video about the first BlackĀ airmen in the U.S. military, known as the TuskegeeĀ Airmen, which has passed review to ensure compliance with President Donald Trumpās ban onĀ diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Trump, who took office on Jan. 20, has prohibited DEI throughout the U.S. government and the U.S. military. New Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whoĀ was sworn inĀ on Friday, has made eliminating DEI from the military a top priority.
Reuters reported on Saturday that the video about the TuskegeeĀ Airmen as well as another about civilian women pilots trained by the U.S. military during World War Two, known as āWomenĀ AirĀ ForceĀ Service Pilots,ā or WASPs, were not being taught in basic training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland pending a review.
The move was first reported by the San Antonio Express-News.
The Air Force on Sunday said both videos will be taught.
āNoĀ Airmen or Guardians will miss this block of instruction due to the revision, however one group of trainees had the training delayed,ā said Lieutenant General Brian Robinson, who leads theĀ AirĀ Education and Training Command, in a statement.
TheĀ TuskegeeĀ AirmenĀ included 450 pilots who fought overseas in segregated units during World War Two. Their success in combat helped pave the way for President Harry Trumanās decision to desegregate the armedĀ forces in 1948.
DEI programs seek to promote opportunities for women, ethnic minorities and other traditionally underrepresented groups. Civil rights advocates argue such programs, generally backed by Democrats, are needed to address longstanding inequities and structural racism.
They have come under attack from conservatives, who say race- and gender-focused initiatives are inherently discriminatory and fail to prioritize merit.