West Point Restriction on Civilian Faculty Speech Overturned

West Point issued a policy in February 2025 requiring civilian faculty to obtain department head approval for external engagements related to their academic disciplines while on duty or when using USMA affiliation or branding. The policy covered journal articles, conference presentations, media interviews, op-eds, and social media posts. The policy followed an executive order banning service academies from promoting certain “un-American” and “divisive” theories, including ideas about gender ideology, race or sex stereotyping, and claims that founding documents are racist or sexist. Defense leadership also directed academies to teach that America’s founding documents remain a powerful force for good and banned instruction on critical race theory and diversity, equity and inclusion. A law professor sued over the preapproval requirement, and a judge issued a preliminary injunction, finding the policy likely violates the First Amendment and cannot be applied to civilian faculty speech and writing.

"In February 2025, West Point issued a policy requiring faculty, "while on duty or when using any USMA affiliation or branding," to get department head approval for any "engagements" with external audiences concerning their own academic disciplines. This included-but wasn't limited to-journal articles, conference presentations, media interviews, op-eds and social media posts, the academy said."

"That policy appeared shortly after President Trump returned to the White House and issued an executive order banning West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy from "promoting, advancing, or otherwise inculcating ... un-American, divisive, discriminatory, radical, extremist, and irrational theories." The theories Trump listed were "divisive concepts," "gender ideology," race or sex "stereotyping" and "scapegoating," and the idea "that America's founding documents are racist or sexist.""

"Two days after the executive order, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commanded the service academies to "teach that America and its founding documents remain the most powerful force for good in human history." He also banned instruction on critical race theory and diversity, equity and inclusion."

"Judge Cathy Seibel issued a preliminary injunction Tuesday in Bakken's favor, finding that the preapproval policy likely violates the First Amendment and can't be appli"

Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs