The Pentagon's Decision to Honor Robert E Lee A Step Backward for Racial Equality

In 2025, the Pentagon shocked the nation by announcing it would restore a massive portrait of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to the West Point library. This nearly 20-foot tall portrait shows Lee on horseback, with a Black enslaved man holding the reins. This decision highlights significant issues about the values we support and the stories we choose to honor in our military institutions.

The portrait's initial installation in 1952 came during the Jim Crow era, a time rife with racial segregation and discrimination. It served as a painful reminder to Black cadets and soldiers that the Confederacy, and the racist order it embodied, was still celebrated in America’s military. As we face these troubling realities decades later, restoring Lee's portrait sends a troubling message about the legacy we uphold.

The Symbolism of Lee's Portrait

Honoring Lee over other notable figures reveals a troubling perspective. Why not recognize Black Union soldiers, who fought courageously to end slavery and secure freedom for all? Consider the Buffalo Soldiers, who faced systemic racism yet served honorably, or the many cadets of color at West Point who overcame adversity. Instead, the Pentagon elevates Lee, a man who led a war against the United States to preserve slavery.

This act is a controversial choice that glorifies a figure linked to oppression and racism. The portrait promotes the Lost Cause narrative, a revisionist view that romanticizes the Confederacy while downplaying its ties to slavery. This decision not only disrespects marginalized voices but undermines historical truth.

An image of the restored Robert E. Lee portrait juxtaposed with a historic photo of Black Union soldiers.

The Impact on Cadets and Soldiers

Symbols shape perceptions of identity and belonging. Picture Black cadets walking the halls of West Point, feeling the weight of a gaze from a man who believed they should never be free. This goes beyond a mere historical misjudgment; it fosters a culture that communicates who matters and who does not.

The return of Lee's portrait starkly reminds us that the struggle for racial equality continues. It raises important questions: Who receives honor? Who is forgotten? What does it signify for our future when the military chooses to revere Confederate leaders in 2025?

The repercussions of this decision are far-reaching, potentially affecting morale and inclusivity within military ranks. According to a report by the Military Leadership Diversity Commission, a diverse Army is not just stronger; it is also more effective in its mission. Retaining symbolic figures like Lee could damage efforts to build a military that reflects America’s diversity.

A Wider Context

This decision is part of a larger trend where symbols of the Confederacy are being reassessed and, in some instances, celebrated. This is alarming, especially as the country grapples with deep-rooted issues of racial inequality and social justice. The Pentagon’s choice to honor Lee signals that values associated with racism still influence military culture.

According to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey, about 65% of Americans believe that Confederate monuments should be removed. By reinstituting such a portrait, the Pentagon contradicts the call for justice and acknowledgment of historical reality. This dangerous precedent could allow old biases to persist and undermine the progress achieved in the united fight for racial equality.

Taking Action

If this decision stirs anger, take a moment to speak out. Share your perspective and engage others in discussions about the implications of honoring figures like Lee in our military institutions.

Education is a vital means to combat the narratives that diminish the contributions of marginalized communities. To learn more about overlooked histories, from COINTELPRO to Fort Mose to the myths of the Lost Cause, consider joining the Smart Brown Girl community on Patreon or Substack.

History informs our present and shapes our identity. The stories we choose to share today will define our nation's character and aspirations.

A Critical Reflection

The Pentagon's decision to restore Robert E. Lee's portrait is a troubling step backward for racial equality. It reminds us that the quest for justice and recognition is ongoing. Moving forward, we must scrutinize the symbols we choose to honor and consider the messages they convey.

We cannot forget the countless Black individuals who fought, resisted, and built this nation despite overwhelming prejudice. Their stories deserve recognition, not overshadowing by figures who sought to uphold racial inequality.

Ultimately, what legacy do we wish to leave for generations to come? The choice lies with us, and it is crucial to make the right decision.

Smart Brown Girl