Pentagon Cuts Harvard Ties Over DEI & Wokeness

By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – LGBTQ Politics

WASHINGTON, D.C. — February 7, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Defense has announced it is ending all professional military education partnerships with Harvard University, citing concerns over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, ideological activism, and disputes surrounding LGBTQ-related campus policies.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Friday that the Pentagon will discontinue all fellowships, certificate programs, and leadership training programs involving Harvard beginning with the 2026–27 academic year.

In a statement posted on social media, Hegseth described the decision as “long overdue,” arguing that the university’s academic environment no longer aligns with military readiness and leadership priorities.

“Harvard is woke; the War Department is not,” Hegseth wrote.

According to the defense secretary, the Pentagon historically sent top-performing officers to Harvard to strengthen strategic and leadership development. However, he said many participants returned influenced by what he characterized as “globalist and ideological perspectives” that did not support combat effectiveness.

DEI, LGBTQ Policy, and Campus Climate

Hegseth specifically pointed to Harvard’s emphasis on DEI programs, identity-based training, and LGBTQ-focused initiatives as central points of contention between the university and military leadership.

Senior defense officials argue that such programs increasingly shape curriculum, campus culture, and leadership development in ways they believe conflict with traditional military standards and operational priorities.

The Pentagon also raised concerns about campus protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, alleging that Jewish students faced harassment and that administrators failed to respond adequately.

In addition, Hegseth claimed that some Harvard research programs have maintained partnerships with Chinese-linked institutions, raising potential national security concerns.

“These ideological and foreign research relationships require serious review,” Hegseth said, adding that similar partnerships at other universities are now under evaluation.

File this under: LONG OVERDUE

The @DeptWar is formally ending ALL Professional Military Education, fellowships, and certificate programs with Harvard University.

Harvard is woke; The War Department is not. pic.twitter.com/0kpsvivtsQ

— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) February 6, 2026

Transition and Implementation

The Department of Defense confirmed that currently enrolled military personnel will be permitted to complete their academic programs. However, no new participants will be accepted under the partnership.

The policy change will take effect with the start of the 2026–27 academic year.

Political and Legal Context

The move follows years of tension between Harvard and the administration of President Donald Trump, which has criticized elite universities over admissions practices, campus governance, and responses to political activism.

In 2025, the administration attempted to freeze portions of Harvard’s federal funding over governance and anti-Semitism allegations. A federal judge later blocked the effort, ruling that it exceeded executive authority.

More recently, Trump renewed pressure on the university, stating that his administration is seeking up to $1 billion in damages related to alleged failures to address discrimination on campus.

Harvard’s Response

Harvard President Alan Garber rejected the Pentagon’s accusations, calling them politically motivated.

“The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights,” Garber said in a statement. “We remain committed to academic freedom, inclusion, and combating discrimination in all forms.”

University officials emphasized that Harvard maintains strict oversight of international research partnerships and complies with federal regulations.

Broader Impact

Defense analysts say the decision could influence how the military evaluates civilian academic partnerships, particularly as debates over DEI, LGBTQ policy, and ideological training continue to shape national security discussions.

The Pentagon has not yet announced which institutions may replace Harvard in its professional education network.

For continuing coverage of U.S. defense policy, military education reforms, and national security developments, follow JRL CHARTS Breaking Military News — your trusted source for authoritative military reporting.