Washington, DC – A New York Times investigation revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has blocked the promotion of four Army officers—two Black men and two women—to the rank of one-star general, a continuation of his discriminatory efforts to eliminate so-called “diversity, equity, and inclusion” initiatives in the military.
The reporting comes the same day that U.S. Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) are introducing the WARRIOR Act, endorsed by the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) Action Fund, which would prohibit gender-based exclusions from military occupational specialties and affirm the critical role women play across the armed forces.
Gaylynn Burroughs, vice president for education and workplace justice at NWLC Action Fund, released the following statement in response.
“It is outrageous and deeply un-American that Pete Hegseth is blocking the promotions of supremely qualified military leaders, presumably because of their race and gender. On the very same day that Congress is introducing legislation to ensure women can serve and lead without discrimination, this investigation shows exactly why that protection is needed, and why Pete Hegseth must go.
“Service members who risk their lives for our country deserve to be judged on their merit and leadership—not racist or sexist stereotypes. Blocking qualified leaders weakens our military and undermines the very readiness our armed forces depend on. This moment makes clear that passing the WARRIOR Act is not just about fairness—it is about ensuring the strongest possible military for our nation.”
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