My book on the 'New White Nationalism' was caught in the DEI dragnet. But it's not what you think

Fox News - Apr 16th, 2025
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The U.S. Naval Academy has removed Dr. Carol Swain's book, "The New White Nationalism in America," from its library as part of a broader initiative to expunge materials associated with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The decision, criticized for being an overreach, underscores the tension between rejecting woke ideologies and the need for academic institutions to engage with complex racial issues. Dr. Swain's book, published in 2002, explores the emergence of white nationalism and the dangers of identity politics, advocating for a cohesive American identity.

The removal of the book highlights a growing reluctance to confront challenging conversations about race and identity politics in educational settings. Dr. Swain argues that universities and military academies should serve as marketplaces of ideas, encouraging critical thinking and debate. The Naval Academy's actions reflect a broader societal debate over DEI and critical race theory, raising questions about how institutions should balance ideological stances with the educational mandate to prepare students for real-world challenges.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article presents a well-structured and clear account of Dr. Carol M. Swain's perspective on the removal of her book from the U.S. Naval Academy library. It offers a detailed exploration of her arguments against DEI and identity politics, engaging with timely and relevant issues. However, the piece would benefit from incorporating diverse perspectives and corroborating evidence to enhance its balance, source quality, and impact. While it successfully captures reader interest and addresses significant public concerns, the lack of counterpoints and additional sources limits its overall depth and reliability.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article accurately presents the background of Dr. Carol M. Swain and her book, "The New White Nationalism in America: Its Challenge to Integration," published in 2002. The claim that the book was removed from the U.S. Naval Academy library as part of a DEI-related purge is plausible, though it requires verification from official sources. The article accurately reflects the book's content, which discusses the emergence of white nationalism and critiques identity politics and multiculturalism. However, the claim that the Naval Academy's decision reflects a broader trend of avoiding complex racial issues needs further substantiation. The article's assertion about the shifting meanings of terms like "white nationalist" is a subjective interpretation that could benefit from additional evidence or expert opinion.

6
Balance

The article primarily presents Dr. Swain's perspective, focusing on her critique of the Naval Academy's decision and her views on DEI and identity politics. While it provides a detailed account of her arguments, it lacks counterpoints or alternative perspectives on the issues discussed. The piece could be more balanced by including responses from the Naval Academy or experts in DEI and race relations. The absence of these perspectives might lead to a one-sided portrayal of a complex issue, potentially skewing the reader's understanding.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly presents Dr. Swain's arguments. It uses straightforward language and logical sequencing, making it accessible to readers. The tone remains neutral, focusing on factual reporting rather than emotional appeals. However, the piece could benefit from clearer delineation between factual claims and opinion, particularly in discussing the broader implications of the Naval Academy's decision and the shifting meanings of racial terminology.

5
Source quality

The article relies heavily on Dr. Swain as the primary source, which lends authority given her academic background. However, it does not incorporate additional sources or expert opinions to corroborate her claims or provide a broader context. The lack of diverse sources limits the article's reliability and depth. Including statements from the Naval Academy or independent experts on DEI and race relations would enhance the credibility and comprehensiveness of the reporting.

6
Transparency

The article provides clear information about Dr. Swain's background and her book, offering readers a transparent view of her credentials and the book's themes. However, it does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that may influence her perspective. The piece could improve transparency by explaining the methodology behind the Naval Academy's decision and providing evidence for claims about shifts in terminology and the impact of DEI policies.

Sources

  1. https://www.aei.org/articles/the-new-white-nationalism-in-america/
  2. https://www.splcenter.org/resources/reports/white-nationalists-complicate-politics-america/
  3. https://www.cambridge.org/9780521545587
  4. https://www.sneps.net/US/NNN-%20new%20white%20nationalism.pdf
  5. https://www.hoover.org/research/fringe