As 'Woke' Criticism Grows, Pentagon Says 'No Apologies' for Diversity Programs

The Pentagon's chief spokesman on Tuesday stood by efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in the military, even as criticism from some conservative lawmakers and commentators has grown.

During a news conference Tuesday, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said the Defense Department respects lawmakers' oversight role, but he declined to comment on any specific efforts from legislators.

He said the department is focused on defending the nation, adding that doing so means creating an environment where talented people feel comfortable working.

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"You need good people," Kirby said. "And if you meet the standards, and you're qualified to be in the military, and you're willing to raise your hand and serve this country, we want you to be able to do it ... free of hate and fear and discrimination.

"That's the very least we can do," he continued. "And there's no apologies for that. No apologies whatsoever for wanting to create that kind of a working environment."

Kirby's comments come amid a rising chorus of conservatives decrying DoD programs -- which Pentagon leaders say are to improve diversity and inclusion, or to root out extremists in the ranks -- as examples of excessive political correctness. Some lawmakers have derided the efforts as "wokeness" run amok or persecution of service members with conservative beliefs.

Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, a former Navy SEAL, launched a webpage last week inviting service members to anonymously blow the whistle on "woke ideology" in the military.

"Enough is enough," he wrote on Twitter when announcing the website. "We won't let our military fall to woke ideology."

Crenshaw said submissions would be shared with the office of Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., adding that they plan to publish, anonymously and with submitters' permission, "egregious complaints" about "what's happening in our military."

"For too long, progressive Pentagon staffers have been calling the shots for our warfighters, and spineless military commanders have let it happen," Crenshaw continued. "Now we are going to expose you."

Last month, some Republicans rallied around Space Force Lt. Col. Matthew Lohmeier, who was fired from squadron command over comments he made on a podcast promoting his new book. ... (Read more)

Tweets mentioned:

https://twitter.com/RepDanCrenshaw/status/1398362620974014464

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