Book Bans Target "Gender Ideology" and Ironically Snare J.D. Vance's "Hillbilly Elegy" in DoD Schools

Censorship in the Classroom: A Chilling Effect on Education

A wave of book removals has swept through Department of Defense-run schools, impacting the education of 67,000 children of military personnel. These removals, targeting books deemed to contain "gender ideology" or "discriminatory equity ideology topics," have raised concerns about censorship and the suppression of diverse voices.

Ironically, one of the titles flagged for review is J.D. Vance's controversial memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, a book widely criticized by Appalachian scholars and writers. This removal highlights the sweeping nature of these restrictions and their unintended consequences.

"The recent removal of books from DoDEA schools, especially those addressing topics like gender identity and equity, is nothing but censorship," stated West Virginian transgender activist Ash Lazarus Orr. "This doesn’t just limit what students can read — it actively suppresses voices and stories that challenge white-washed dominant narratives, particularly those from marginalized communities."

Vague Directives and Unclear Guidelines: A Recipe for Confusion

A February memo outlined the criteria for book removals, but failed to provide a specific list of banned titles. This lack of clarity has left officials enforcing the policy without clear guidance, leading to inconsistent application and further concerns about censorship.

Initially, librarians were given a tight deadline for the book review, which was later extended. This rushed process further underscores the lack of careful consideration given to these removals.

"By pulling books without clear guidelines, government officials create an environment where anything deemed controversial or uncomfortable can be erased from the curriculum," Orr added. "Banning books with vague, swapping policies isn’t about protecting students, it’s about controlling what they can learn and whose voices they get to hear."

Beck Banks, an assistant professor of communications at Warren Wilson College, aptly summarized the issue: "[B]ook banning is fundamentally un-American. As an act, it opposes education, intellectual curiosity, and democracy, and that’s just the start of its issue."

Beyond "Hillbilly Elegy": A Broader Crackdown on Diverse Voices

The removals extend beyond Vance's memoir to include a range of titles and educational materials, such as An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States, Black History Month resources, and even an AP Psychology chapter on sexuality and gender. This widespread censorship paints a concerning picture of the limitations being placed on students' access to information.

These restrictions are linked to executive orders issued by President Donald Trump, which limit discussions of transgender identities, diversity, equity, and inclusion. These orders prohibit the Department of Defense and its schools from endorsing ideas deemed "un-American," a definition that encompasses a broad range of topics.

The Irony of "Hillbilly Elegy": A Misunderstood Memoir

The inclusion of Hillbilly Elegy in these book bans has drawn particular attention, highlighting the irony of its removal. Appalachian authors and activists argue that the book's harm stems not from the themes typically targeted in book bans, but from its portrayal of the Appalachian region itself.

“Hillbilly Elegy is a perfect example of why representation in literature matters. Many of us with deep generational ties to Appalachia felt misrepresented, misunderstood and outright used by J.D. Vance’s portrayal of our communities,” Orr explained. “His book isn’t a heartfelt memoir — it’s a political manifesto designed to serve his own ambitions.”

The Fight for Intellectual Freedom Continues

As the Department of Defense conducts its compliance review, organizations like PEN America continue to raise concerns about the widespread attack on books in the United States. The documented increase in book bans serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for intellectual freedom and access to diverse perspectives.

"The removal of these titles [by the DoDEA] is yet another indicator of the new Administration’s flippant and autocratic approach to K-12 education,” stated Kasey Meehan, program director of Freedom to Read at PEN America.