Rep. Mark Green, a West Point graduate, has introduced the Focusing Academies on Leadership and Cultivating Officers for National Security Act (FALCONS Act). This legislation aims to formalize a previous executive order from January 27, 2025, which sought to remove courses based on radical gender ideology and Critical Race Theory (CRT) from military service academies.
Rep. Green emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on core values such as liberty and national defense in these institutions. He stated, “Codifying a ban on the teaching of Marxist theories like Critical Race Theory (CRT) and gender ideology in our nation’s service academies will ensure the primary focus remains not just how to fight, but what to fight for—liberty, the Constitution, representative government, and our national defense.”
He expressed satisfaction with recent actions taken by service academies following President Trump’s executive order. For instance, his alma mater removed courses titled “Race, Ethnicity and Nation” and “Power and Difference.” Similarly, the Naval Academy canceled two courses related to gender ideology. Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind of the Air Force Academy mentioned that 55 courses were under review with potential changes needed for about 40%.
Green criticized CRT’s approach as being contrary to American foundational principles: “That all men are created equal is the self-evident truth at the heart of our nation… Allowing leftist indoctrination in service academies hinders unit cohesion and undermines American institutions.”
The congressman praised current efforts by stating that recruitment numbers have improved under Trump’s administration due to a renewed focus on military strength: “We must teach our future warriors to love the country they plan to fight for.”
Additional context includes Admiral Michael Gilday adding Ibram X. Kendi’s book “How to Be an Antiracist” to reading lists at service academies—a move seen by some as controversial due to its stance on discrimination.
The issue of identity-focused groups within military ranks has been ongoing since 2008 with initiatives like those supporting LGBTQ+ communities within the Air Force.
Further information regarding Rep. Green’s legislative efforts can be found through various media outlets including Fox 17 Nashville and The Washington Examiner.
