Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the Navy to rename the USNS Harvey Milk. The John Lewis-class oiler is one of a group of ships that are named after civil rights leaders and activists. Reports indicate that the Navy is also considering renaming the USNS Thurgood Marshall, USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and USNS Harriet Tubman.
The message here could not be more clear. This administration does not value the historic significance of these civil rights pioneers, and does not value the rights of Blacks, Women, or Gays.
Trump has ordered that the federal government’s policy statements and websites be stripped of any reference to diversity, equality, and inclusion. Again, this sends the obvious message that if you are an “other,” you are of less value. Other than what? Other than straight, white, male.
Conservatives, especially those aligned with Trumpism and MAGA, have become increasingly intolerant and unaccepting. Liberals ask for a fair playing field, an even chance, and equal rights. Is it asking too much that minorities be given the same rights as the majority? Apparently so.
The renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk is being done during Pride Month, as a deliberate and blatant slap in the face to anyone who identifies as LGBTQ.
Read More:
Military.com: Hegseth Orders Navy to Strip Name of Gay Rights Icon Harvey Milk from Ship
The Guardian: Hegseth orders US navy to strip Harvey Milk name from ship amid Pride month