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Defense Secretary Hegseth Shifts from Diversity to Meritocracy

10/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s 2013 Harvard thesis urged equality, diversity, and accessibility in education.
It proposed a merit-based STEM high school in Minnesota with Democrat Melissa Hortman, who was later assassinated.
His recent speeches contrast the thesis, criticizing 'woke' culture and military diversity initiatives.
He argues these initiatives weaken standards and endanger troops, insisting on meritocracy over diversity.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s 2013 Harvard thesis urged equality, diversity, and accessibility in education.
It proposed a merit-based STEM high school in Minnesota with Democrat Melissa Hortman, who was later assassinated.
His recent speeches contrast the thesis, criticizing 'woke' culture and military diversity initiatives.
He argues these initiatives weaken standards and endanger troops, insisting on meritocracy over diversity.