National Urban League: Hegseth's Promotional Bias "Undermines the Strength and Integrity of Our Armed Forces"

By Array Array , National Urban League
Published 10 AM EDT, Tue Mar 31, 2026
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NEW YORK (March 30, 2026) — National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued he following statement in response to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth striking Black and female officers from a promotion list:

“It is reprehensible that this administration, driven by racial and gender bias and a deliberate effort to weaponize and mischaracterize DEI, refuses to recognize and celebrate the sacrifices of highly qualified military leaders. The decision to block the promotion of four exceptionally accomplished Army officers—two Black men and two women—not only contradicts our nation’s longstanding commitment to honoring those who serve, but also undermines the strength and integrity of our armed forces.

"Our service members deserve leadership that respects their merit, values their contributions, and honors their willingness to sacrifice for our country. Instead, Secretary Hegseth, whose confirmation was in question due to his lack of qualifications, continues to discredit the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protect and serve our nation.

"This is not the first time Secretary Hegseth has demonstrated racial animus in his personnel decisions. Early in his tenure he fired Air Force General C.Q. Brown Jr. as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff without cause and replaced him with a less qualified white successor. Not long after, Army Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland, director of the Defense Health Agency resigned abruptly.

"The National Urban League will continue to speak out about the blatant attempts by this administration to keep qualified Black men and women from positions they have rightfully earned. We have long taken pride in the role that generations of Black men and women have played, serving and sacrificing for this country. While we are extremely disappointed in the actions that Secretary Hegseth has taken against Black servicemembers, we remain steadfast in in our commitment to honoring all who defend our nation.”