US Navy to Rename USNS Harvey Milk Amid Controversy and Criticism
The US Navy's decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk has sparked backlash from activists and public figures, including Sean Penn and Dustin Lance Black.
Overview
The US Navy will rename the USNS Harvey Milk, named after the gay rights activist and Navy veteran, following an order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This decision, part of a broader initiative to align military assets with the current administration's values, has drawn significant criticism from leaders like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who argue it erases civil rights history. Activists, including Milk's nephew, Stuart Milk, and figures like Sean Penn and Dustin Lance Black, have condemned the move as a politically motivated distraction. The renaming, expected to be finalized soon, comes during Pride Month and reflects ongoing cultural shifts within the military.
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Analysis
- The articles express strong discontent over the Trump administration's decision to remove Harvey Milk's name from a Navy ship.
- Critics view the renaming as an attack on LGBTQ+ rights and a broader agenda against diversity and inclusion.
- The timing during Pride Month amplifies the outrage and highlights the significance of Milk's legacy in civil rights.
Articles (20)
Center (5)
"…Leaders in San Francisco are blasting the Trump administration for stripping the name of gay rights activist Harvey Milk from a U.S. naval ship, and especially during Pride Month, when people gather to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community."
Associated Press·1M·"…Announcing that you’re stripping the name of a gay rights activist from a Navy ship at the start of Pride Month is, of course, a transparent provocation."
USA TODAY·1M·"…It marks the latest move by Hegseth and the wider Trump administration to purge all programs, policies, books and social media mentions of references to diversity, equity and inclusion."
Military Times·1M·"…The USNS Harvey Milk, a fleet replenishment oiler, will be renamed."
NBC News·1M·"…It marks the latest move by Hegseth and the wider Trump administration to purge all programs, policies, books and social media mentions of references to diversity, equity and inclusion."
Associated Press·1M·FAQ
The decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk is part of an initiative to align military assets with the current administration's values, aiming to reestablish a 'warrior culture' as stated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Several other ships in the John Lewis-class of vessels could also see name changes, including the Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Harriet Tubman, Dolores Huerta, USNS Lucy Stone, USNS Cesar Chavez, and USNS Medgar Evers.
The renaming announcement was made during Pride Month, which intentionally coincides with a period celebrating the LGBTQ community. This timing is seen by many as a symbolic gesture that undermines the community's history and recognition.
History
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