In a significant legal decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals has ruled that the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland, must no longer incorporate race, ethnicity, or sex among its considerations for admissions. This ruling follows directives issued by former President Donald Trump.

Policy Change Enforced

On February 14, Vice Adm. Yvette Davids announced the new admissions policy, emphasizing that “neither race, ethnicity nor sex can be considered as a factor for admission at any point during the admissions process, including qualification and acceptance,” as stated in documents filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Trump’s executive order on January 27 mandated that all branches of the Armed Forces operate without preferences based on race or gender. This directive prompted an internal review by the Department of Defense regarding practices at service academies.

Context of the Ruling

Prior to this appeal, a federal court had permitted the Naval Academy to factor in race during its admissions process, based on findings that underscored the importance of diversity in fostering military cohesion and national security.

The appeal was initiated by Students for Fair Admissions, an organization advocating for changes to affirmative action policies in educational institutions.

Reactions to the Decision

Edward Blum, the president of Students for Fair Admissions, criticized affirmative action measures, stating that “racial discrimination is wrong and racial classifications have no place at our nation’s military academies.”

Conversely, Maryland State Representative Sarah Elfreth expressed strong opposition to the ruling, labeling it “disastrous,” and cautioned that it could damage the military’s recruitment and retention strategies for years ahead. Elfreth advocated for a diverse Navy and Marine Corps, asserting that diversity is critical for mission readiness and national security.

Implementation of New Policies

In response to the ruling, the Academy has begun the process of closing its diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) offices, aligning with Trump’s executive order. This cancellation also extends to DEIA-related contracts.

Cmdr. Tim Hawkins from the Navy confirmed that the USNA did not previously have a DEI or DEIA office and was taking steps to ensure compliance with the president’s directives effectively.

Future Considerations

The Department of Justice has requested a suspension of ongoing litigation pertaining to admissions policies, as it reviews the implications of the Naval Academy’s new policies. The DOJ indicated that both parties require adequate time to discuss the adjustments and determine the appropriate legal next steps.