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Defense Secretary Hegseth Reverses Stance on Military Diversity

10/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth now opposes military DEI initiatives.
His 2013 Harvard thesis urged equal opportunities for low-income and minority students and a Minnesota STEM school.
Recent speeches denounce "identity months" and stress meritocracy over diversity.
He disavows Harvard, saying it harmed his intelligence.
Rep. Melissa Hortman, who helped with his thesis, was assassinated in June.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth now opposes military DEI initiatives.
His 2013 Harvard thesis urged equal opportunities for low-income and minority students and a Minnesota STEM school.
Recent speeches denounce "identity months" and stress meritocracy over diversity.
He disavows Harvard, saying it harmed his intelligence.
Rep. Melissa Hortman, who helped with his thesis, was assassinated in June.