The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) has started limiting access to certain books in its global network of schools that cater to military families.
Among the restricted books is “Freckleface Strawberry,” a children’s book by Academy Award-winning actress Julianne Moore. The limitation is part of an extensive review of educational resources, sparking widespread discussions among educators and civil rights groups.
In an Instagram post on Sunday, February 16, 2025, Moore expressed surprise that her book, ‘Freckleface Strawberry,’ was barred by the Trump Administration in schools operated by the Department of Defense.
Moore, who earned an Oscar in 2015 for her role in “Still Alice,” penned “Freckleface Strawberry” in 2007. The narrative revolves around a seven-year-old girl grappling with her insecurities about her freckles. Despite her futile attempts to hide or erase her freckles, she finally accepts them as a unique part of her identity, emphasizing the importance of celebrating rather than eradicating our differences.
The review comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in federal institutions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on January 26, 2025, that the Department of Defense would cease all DEI programs to align with Trump’s Inauguration Day executive order, leading to the closure of DEI offices across the federal government.
The DoDEA, responsible for the education of around 67,000 children in 160 schools across the globe, released a statement explaining its stance. It is currently reassessing its guidelines and educational materials in response to the recent executive orders and updated guidance from the Department of Defense. The DoDEA clarified that no items have been permanently removed from school libraries as the review is still in progress. However, materials under review are temporarily restricted, with access exclusively provided to professional staff until a final decision is reached.
Nonprofit organization PEN America criticized the removal of Moore’s book and others, viewing it as a sign of the new administration’s autocratic attitude towards K-12 education. Other books affected include “No Truth Without Ruth,” about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and “Becoming Nicole,” about a transgender actor.
A directive issued on February 5 mandated the removal of all books containing “gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology.” Educators have been instructed to review their classroom books, including personal collections, for any content that might breach the executive order. The directive also mandates the removal of pronouns from email signatures and the cancellation of cultural events such as Black History Month.
The American Library Association (ALA) and the American Association of School Librarians have denounced these moves, asserting that they infringe on the First Amendment rights of military personnel and their families by censoring valid perspectives and opinions. They are encouraging Americans to support libraries, particularly those in military base schools and public and academic institutions nationwide. Advocates are rallying support for the ALA’s campaign to protect library access, safeguard intellectual freedom, and resist censorship efforts.
Moore’s personal ties to military education add a personal dimension to the controversy. She is an alumna of Frankfurt American High School, a now-defunct Department of Defense school in Germany, and has often spoken of her pride in her military family upbringing. Her father, a Vietnam veteran, dedicated his career to the U.S. Army, instilling in her a deep respect for service and sacrifice. Expressing her shock and disappointment, Moore underscored her deep ties to the military community, making the restriction of her book in these schools a personal affront.
Democratic lawmakers have lambasted the restrictions, contending that they undercut the diverse and holistic education historically offered by DoDEA to military families. The Department of Education recently dismissed 11 complaints about book bans received during the Biden administration, labeling them as “meritless” and based “on a dubious legal theory.”
The restrictions form part of a broader initiative by the Defense Department to downsize diversity programs and shift the focus towards promoting “unity” over “diversity,” as described by Secretary Hegseth. Schools were required to comply with the directive by February 18, which also necessitated updating signage and removing posters featuring historical women and people of color.