US Department of Defense curriculum changes

The Department of Defense is implementing a new curriculum focused on Western civilization and Christianity within the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools. This initiative, led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, aims to redirect the education system toward classical learning and patriotic values.

The curriculum will utilize the textbook ‘The Golden Thread: A History of the Western Tradition, Volume I: The Ancient World and Christendom’ and includes lesson plans developed in partnership with Hillsdale College. The DoDEA manages approximately 160 schools across 11 countries, serving about 70,000 students who are children of military or civilian service members.

Critics, including some historians and educators, have argued that the materials present history in misleading ways by equating Western civilization with Christianity and characterizing Islam as a threat to both. In conjunction with the new course, the department has begun hiring teachers and academic leaders with ties to Republican-led patriotic education efforts. The Pentagon has stated it remains committed to providing military-connected students with high-quality education and opportunities.