• Jackie Robinson's military history was temporarily removed from the Pentagon's website.
• The article was reinstated after backlash and confusion regarding its disappearance.
• The Pentagon is undertaking a broader campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) content.
• Robinson’s legacy is celebrated as a significant part of both sports and civil rights history.
• The removal was reportedly a mistake, according to Defense Department officials.

The U.S. Department of Defense has reinstated an article about baseball and civil rights icon Jackie Robinson that was temporarily removed from its website. The original piece chronicles Robinson's service in the Army during World War II, detailing his significant contributions before he famously broke Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947. The removal had appeared to be linked to the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to eliminate content promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across federal platforms, which has stirred substantial controversy and confusion in recent weeks, as reported by SFGate.

The webpage, once again accessible under its original URL, had featured various accolades from Robinson’s time in the Army, including a notable incident where he faced court-martial after refusing to abide by a discriminatory order on an Army bus. His son, David Robinson, who serves on the board of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, expressed his shock over the removal, reaffirming the importance of his father’s military service and its relevance to American history and civil rights. “We take great pride in Jackie Robinson’s service to our country as a soldier,” he stated, as covered by the Newsweek.

The Pentagon issued a statement clarifying that the removal of Robinson’s article and other similar content was a mistake, stating, “We are pleased by the rapid compliance across the Department with the directive removing DEI content from all platforms.” However, officials emphasized the importance of recognizing accomplishments of all service members, regardless of their backgrounds, and are committed to honoring their patriotism without reference to race or ethnicity. This comes amid widespread criticism of a broader campaign to strip government websites of diversity-focused narratives that had come to define the former administration's goals.

The article's return has been met with appreciation from those advocating for a complete acknowledgment of Robinson's influential role both in sports and in the fight for civil rights. As noted in the Los Angeles Times, his story continues to inspire many and serves as a reminder of the long-standing struggle against discrimination.