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The Military & Extremism

Democracy Protection

A Proxy War: Attacks on Diversity in the Military Target American Civil Rights

Summary: The far-right extremist campaign to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)[1] in the U.S. military is a proxy for their broader efforts to roll back civil rights in the…

Fact Sheets

Democracy Protection

“Digital Soldiers”: QAnon Extremists Exploit U.S. Military, Threaten Democracy

QAnon Extremists Exploit U.S. Military, Threaten Democracy This report examines how the QAnon movement exploits the U.S. military’s credibility in society to further its aim of undermining American democracy. It…

Reports

Democracy Protection

Letter to Secretary Austin Calling for Report on Extremism

We, the undersigned individuals and organizations, are committed to addressing white supremacy and other forms of extremism impacting the military and veteran communities, and we urge the Department of Defense…

Letter

Democracy Protection

Human Rights Advocates Urge Defense Secretary to Report Progress on Extremism in Military

WASHINGTON – Human Rights First today, leading a coalition of more than 35 organizations and individual experts representing veterans, military families, faith communities, racial justice advocates, civil and human rights…

Press

Democracy Protection

Joint Letter to Congress on NDAA DEI & Extremism

Dear Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Leader Scalise, and Leader Jeffries: We, the undersigned organizations, are dedicated advocates for civil and human rights, including members of U.S. military families and veteran…

Letter

Democracy Protection

Urging Congress to Protect Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Military

WASHINGTON – Human Rights First today joined more than 35 organizations in sending a letter to Congress urging them to exclude 22 anti-DEI and other harmful provisions proposed in the…

Press

Democracy Protection

Mapping the Movement: Election Denialists Recruit Veterans and Threaten 2024 Election

Since 2020, the election denial movement has been working to build a grassroots network to infiltrate local democratic institutions. Installing election deniers in positions of influence threatens the accuracy of…

Reports

Democracy Protection

On Anniversary of Capitol Insurrection, Democracy Remains at Risk

Washington, D.C. – On the anniversary of the insurrection at the United States Capitol, Human Rights First calls for accountability for those responsible for that attack, pursuit of a deeper…

Press

Democracy Protection

Jan. 12, 2024: Statement for the Record of Human Rights First on U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability

U.S. House Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs “The Risks of Progressive Ideologies in the U.S. Military” January 12, 2024 I. About Human Rights First Established in…

Statements

Democracy Protection

Veterans and Civil Rights Coalition Letter on Anti-DEIA Provisions in the 2025 NDAA

Dear Chairman Reed and Ranking Member Wicker: As the Senate Armed Services Committee begins work on its National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), the undersigned organizations, including…

Letter

Democracy Protection

Veterans and Civil Rights Organizations Urge Congress to Reject Harmful Provisions in the NDAA

Dear Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Wicker, Chairman Rogers, and Ranking Member Smith: As Senate and House conferees meet to discuss their differing versions of the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization…

Letter

Democracy Protection

VFAI Expresses Concern Surrounding Pete Hegseth’s Nomination as Secretary of Defense

By Gretchen Klingler As an organization dedicated to upholding American ideals and human rights, Veterans for American Ideals (VFAI) at Human Rights First has significant concerns regarding the nomination of…

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