The US Navy is set to remove the name of renowned gay rights activist and Navy veteran Harvey Milk from one of its ships, a decision announced as part of a broader political shift emphasizing “warrior culture” in the military and coinciding with Pride Month.
US Navy to Remove Harvey Milk's Name from Ship Amid Political Shift
US Navy to Remove Harvey Milk's Name from Ship Amid Political Shift
Controversial renaming decision coincides with Pride Month and rollback of diversity initiatives.
The renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk, first openly gay man elected to public office in California, will be initiated according to a timeline shared by the Pentagon. This move emerges amidst rising tensions regarding diversity and inclusion programs under the Trump administration and has sparked outrage among prominent Democrats.
In documents obtained by CBS News, the plans indicate that the decision is not isolated, with other notable vessels like USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg and USNS Harriet Tubman also recommended for renaming. Navy Secretary John Phelan will lead the initiative, which is positioned to enhance military unity but has been met with considerable backlash.
Due to directives from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth earlier this year, military personnel were instructed to discontinue events celebrating various heritage and awareness months, including Pride Month. This ban, coupled with executive orders from former President Trump against diversity initiatives, signifies a stark shift in government policy.
While advocates for diversity and inclusion see these initiatives as crucial in addressing historical injustices, critics argue they can result in their own form of discrimination. This delicate balance of perspectives has elicited a robust response from allies of Harvey Milk, with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemning the action as a “vindictive erasure.”
As the Navy prepares to transition the name of the USNS Harvey Milk, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the broader conversation around representation, inclusion, and the legacy of civil rights leaders within the military and beyond.
In documents obtained by CBS News, the plans indicate that the decision is not isolated, with other notable vessels like USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg and USNS Harriet Tubman also recommended for renaming. Navy Secretary John Phelan will lead the initiative, which is positioned to enhance military unity but has been met with considerable backlash.
Due to directives from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth earlier this year, military personnel were instructed to discontinue events celebrating various heritage and awareness months, including Pride Month. This ban, coupled with executive orders from former President Trump against diversity initiatives, signifies a stark shift in government policy.
While advocates for diversity and inclusion see these initiatives as crucial in addressing historical injustices, critics argue they can result in their own form of discrimination. This delicate balance of perspectives has elicited a robust response from allies of Harvey Milk, with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemning the action as a “vindictive erasure.”
As the Navy prepares to transition the name of the USNS Harvey Milk, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the broader conversation around representation, inclusion, and the legacy of civil rights leaders within the military and beyond.
