During a congressional hearing this week, Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard Clark struggled to define the term “demigender” when questioned about the Academy’s support for a fellowship opportunity for “demigender” individuals.
Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) raised concerns about the Brooke Owens Fellowship, which is promoted by the academy.
Gaetz questioned why the academy is endorsing a fellowship that excludes cisgender individuals if it supports diversity in the military.
Clark confirmed his familiarity with the fellowship but was unable to provide a clear definition of “demigender” when asked by Gaetz.
In response to the question, Clark attempted to divert the discussion, stating that “demigender” is a term used by those eligible for the scholarship who perceive their gender differently.
When pressed again for an explanation, Clark admitted, “I’m not really sure, sir.” He also indicated that he was unfamiliar with the term “a-gender.”
Gaetz criticized Clark for supporting a fellowship without understanding the terminology associated with it, particularly since cisgender men, the largest group of service members, are excluded.
Gaetz questioned the promotion of programs that cannot be clearly defined and exclude a significant portion of the military in the name of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Clark defended the fellowship, clarifying that it was not an Air Force Academy program but affirmed that the academy allows cadets to apply for it as an opportunity to develop them as warfighters.
This line of questioning is part of a broader effort by Gaetz and other Republicans to address what they perceive as “wokeness” in the military under the Biden administration.
Republicans argue that the military is already diverse and assert that programs promoting diversity are divisive and a misuse of resources that should be allocated to combat readiness and warfighting skills.
Meanwhile, Democrats argue that diversity is essential for effective warfighting and advocate for increasing the representation of women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals in the military to better reflect the nation’s population.
Recently, Republicans successfully passed a bill in the House that aims to roll back the Department of Defense’s efforts to expand “diversity, equity, and inclusion” programs throughout the department and the military, including the service academies.
The bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), is an annual authorization of DOD spending and activities that requires reconciliation with the Senate’s version before being sent to the president for approval.
Although the bill has garnered Democratic support, many of the provisions opposing “wokeness” are expected to remain intact.
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