A history professor’s paper on LGBTQ themes in naval adventure literature has been excluded from an upcoming symposium at the United States Naval Academy, inciting controversy within academic circles. Seth Stein LeJacq, a faculty member at Hunter College in New York City, was informed of his disinvitation on June 4, 2023, just a day after Tom McCarthy, the history department chair, resigned, citing a violation of academic integrity.
LeJacq’s paper, titled “Liberation, Homophobia, and Historical Memory: Queer Pasts and Futures in Historical Naval Adventure Fiction,” was accepted for the McMullen Symposium, scheduled for September 18-19, 2023, in Annapolis. This symposium is recognized as one of the largest gatherings of naval historians worldwide. LeJacq intended to discuss the works of authors like Patrick O’Brian, known for his naval novels that explore complex themes of masculinity and relationships.
In his resignation letter, McCarthy asserted that he was ordered to withdraw LeJacq’s paper for non-academic reasons, a decision he deemed incompatible with the values of the academy. “Vetting speakers and papers is not a good place to be for an American institution of higher education,” he wrote to Samara Firebaugh, the provost of the academy. McCarthy did not respond to inquiries about whether LeJacq’s paper was directly tied to his resignation.
LeJacq believes his exclusion is rooted in a broader anti-LGBTQ sentiment emanating from the Defense Department during the administration of former President Donald Trump. He stated, “The problem here is not fellow academics. The problem is the Department of Defense and the presidential administration. That’s where the censorship is coming from.”
The Naval Academy has recently undergone significant changes aimed at aligning with the Trump administration’s directives on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This includes the removal of numerous books from its library, as well as alterations to the curriculum and admissions policies. These initiatives stem from an executive order titled “Restoring America’s Fighting Force,” which has prompted scrutiny from various stakeholders, including alumni and academics.
Former Naval spokesperson and Texas congressional candidate William Marks, a Naval Academy graduate, expressed his dismay at the academy’s actions. He stated, “As a history major at the Naval Academy, I was appalled to see legitimate academic papers being censored at the McMullen Symposium. True freedom of thought allows authors and readers to decide, debate, and defend the merits of their research.”
LeJacq, who has a background in early-modern British history and has focused on sexuality within naval culture, has previously presented research that critically engages with historical narratives. His current work involves an analysis of over 100 novels to explore the intersections of gender and sexuality in naval contexts.
The decision to remove LeJacq’s paper has drawn sharp criticism, highlighting concerns over academic freedom and the integrity of scholarly discourse. McCarthy’s warning that such actions could undermine the trust that the international community of naval historians has in the academy remains a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between institutional policies and academic inquiry.
In light of the growing backlash, the Naval Academy has not issued any comments regarding the incident. LeJacq’s experience underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding academic expression, particularly in fields that engage with contemporary social issues. As conversations about diversity and inclusion continue to evolve, the implications for scholarly research and discourse at military educational institutions remain critical.
LeJacq is set to present his research at the Britain, Conflict and the Sea conference at the National Maritime Museum in London on September 12-13, 2023. He maintains that his work is serious and deserving of consideration based on its scholarly merit, rather than the sensitive themes it addresses.
“I would challenge the people who censored me to read my research and really engage with it,” he stated. “This is not just a trifling project. I stand by it.”