West Point Bible Crest Removal Sparks Pentagon Lawsuit by Judicial Watch

A conservative watchdog group, Judicial Watch, has taken legal action against the Department of Defense, filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit over a peculiar controversy at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. At the heart of the dispute is the removal of the West Point crest from Bibles in the Cadet Chapel, a change that has raised eyebrows and fueled concerns about the erosion of traditional values at the prestigious institution.

The issue came to light after the MacArthur Society, a group of West Point graduates wary of politicization at the academy, flagged the potential removal of the crest. Judicial Watch first submitted a FOIA request in December 2024 to uncover the reasoning behind this decision, noting that the crest—featuring an eagle and the Black Knights mascot—had reportedly adorned the Bibles since 1984. Yet, as of late 2024, it’s gone, replaced simply with the academy’s name: 'The United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.'

Why the change? That’s the million-dollar question. Speculation abounds that this move might reflect a broader push to distance the military from religious affiliations, a sensitive topic that’s sparked debate before. Back in 2012, all military branches pulled support for a series of Bibles sold at exchanges over fears they appeared to endorse an official religious text. Is this a similar case of caution, or something more ideologically driven? Judicial Watch suggests the latter, with President Tom Fitton sharply criticizing what he sees as an attempt by the current administration to sever ties with tradition.

This isn’t the first clash between West Point and conservative groups. Earlier in 2024, the academy faced scrutiny for altering its mission statement from the iconic 'Duty, Honor, Country' to a focus on 'Army Values,' a shift some tie to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. While West Point notes its mission has evolved multiple times over the decades, the timing and context of these changes continue to stir passionate debate about the direction of military education.

For now, the Department of Defense remains tight-lipped, declining to comment on pending litigation. But as this lawsuit unfolds, it’s clear the intersection of faith, tradition, and military identity remains a battleground of its own.