The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) is a national organization dedicated to securing and maintaining the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all those who face injustice and bigotry. As the oldest and largest Asian Pacific American civil rights organization, JACL is committed to promoting a world that honors diversity and upholds values of fairness, equality, and social justice for everyone.
On March 14, 2025, JACL issued a press release, “JACL Calls for Immediate Restoration of 100th/442nd History to the U.S. Army Website,” expressing concern over the removal of web pages that honored the history and accomplishments of the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the broader contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to the U.S. Army. Read the full press release.
Background
In early 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) began removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) content from its websites, following an executive order from President Donald Trump to eliminate DEI programs within federal agencies. A memo from Sean Parnell, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, directed all military branches to remove DEI-related news, photos, and videos by March 5, 2025.
As a result, web pages recognizing the contributions of African American, Asian American & Pacific Islander, Hispanic American, and LGBTQ+ service members were removed. The administration justified this move by arguing that DEI initiatives could weaken military unity and readiness. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that such programs might erode camaraderie among troops. By early March 2025, content celebrating the service of diverse soldiers had been erased from official military platforms, signaling a major shift in the Pentagon’s approach to diversity and inclusion.
Solidarity & Action
As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” With that in mind, the JACL-Arizona chapter is pleased to provide a resource with links to archived versions of the removed DoD web pages. As civil rights leader John Lewis said, “We march for first-class citizenship for all.” And today, that march continues.
(Listed in alpha order)
African Americans in the U.S. Army (February)
This section highlights the significant roles and sacrifices of African American Soldiers throughout history, including timelines and notable units like the “Harlem Hellfighters.”
https://web.archive.org/web/20220202054643/https://www.army.mil/blackamericans/index.html
Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders in the U.S. Army (May)
This section honors the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander Soldiers throughout history, emphasizing their service from the Civil War to the present. It features notable units like the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, one of the most decorated in U.S. military history, and recognizes individuals who played vital roles in defending the nation.
https://web.archive.org/web/20241128213540/https://www.army.mil/asianpacificamericans/index.html
Hispanic Americans in the U.S. Army (September)
This section showcases the remarkable record of military service by Hispanic Americans, dating back to the Revolutionary War, and their significant contributions to the Army and the nation.
https://web.archive.org/web/20150103041230/http://www.army.mil/hispanicamericans/
LGBTQ / Pride Month (June)
Pride Month Press Release (2020)
The Army embraces diversity and inclusion during Pride Month.
https://web.archive.org/web/20240713162538/https://www.tad.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/2222731/army-embraces-diversity-and-inclusion-during-pride-month/
Pride Month graphic (2024)
https://web.archive.org/web/20240621132952/https://www.usar.army.mil/news/images/igphoto/2003233106/
Native American Contributions to U.S. Military History (November)
The nation honors the culture and heritage of Native Americans and Alaska Natives while reflecting on their significant contributions to the establishment and development of the United States. Native American Heritage Month also provides the Army with an opportunity to acknowledge the commitment of Native American Soldiers, veterans, civilians, and their families.
https://web.archive.org/web/20241122094327/https://www.army.mil/article/280951/honoring_native_american_contributions_to_us_military_history
Women’s History in the Department of Defense (March)
Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination. “Both in uniform and through the civilian sector, American mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives have selflessly served to defend and protect the land of the free and home of the brave. Even in grim situations and under austere conditions, these women have persevered—standing tall and strong as defenders of freedom, liberty, and justice.”
https://web.archive.org/web/20240226055216/https://dod.defense.gov/News/Special-Reports/Womens-History/
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The Arizona chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL-AZ) is a proud organization dedicated to defending the constitutional rights of all individuals. We stand firmly in support of fairness, equality, and justice for everyone. To learn more about the foundational rights that protect us all, we invite you to explore the Bill of Rights here: The Bill of Rights.