Reference News Network, September 26 report - According to Reuters, September 23 report, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has disbanded a committee that provided advice to women in the military (covering areas such as benefits and treatment). He claimed on the 23rd that the committee had promoted a "divisive feminist agenda."

The official website of the Women's Defense Advisory Committee states that the committee was established in 1951 and its responsibilities include providing advisory services on the "recruitment, retention, employment, integration, benefits, and treatment" of women in the military.

A Pentagon spokesperson on the 23rd said that Hegseth decided to terminate the operations of the committee because it "focused on advancing a divisive feminist agenda that harms readiness," and that Hegseth is committed to implementing uniform, gender-neutral standards within the Department of Defense.

The website of the committee states that it is one of the oldest advisory committees in the U.S. military and has submitted over 1,100 recommendations to senior officials in the Department of Defense, with approximately 94% of these recommendations being fully or partially adopted. The site states: "Historically, these recommendations have played an important role in driving changes in laws and policies related to women in the military."

Since taking office, Hegseth has criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the Pentagon. Previously, he canceled a project aimed at enhancing the role of women in national security.

After becoming Defense Secretary, the Department of Defense has stopped holding "identity month" commemorative events (such as "Black History Month"), and the United States Naval Academy has removed some books, including the memoir of American African-American female writer Maya Angelou.

Hegseth's actions come as U.S. media outlets are also expressing concerns about freedom of speech. On the 19th, the Pentagon announced restrictions on media coverage of the U.S. military, requiring news organizations to commit not to disclose information not approved for public release. (Translated by Zhu Jie)

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7554286736214458890/

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