Academy Award-winning actress Julianne Moore has spoken out about a recent decision that has left her stunned and saddened.
The Trump Administration has introduced a comprehensive review of educational materials in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, affecting thousands of students worldwide.
The move, which falls under newly issued executive orders, aims to identify and remove content deemed inconsistent with the administration’s stance on gender ideology and equity topics.
This decision has led to the suspension of access to multiple books in DoDEA libraries, sparking widespread debate over censorship and educational freedom.
Among the books affected is Moore’s beloved children’s book, Freckleface Strawberry, a semi-autobiographical story about a young girl learning to embrace her freckles and red hair.
The book, published in 2007, has received praise for its positive themes of self-acceptance and individuality.
It has inspired sequels, a stage musical, and has been used in classrooms to help children understand diversity and confidence.
Despite its uplifting message, Moore recently revealed in an emotional Instagram post that Freckleface Strawberry had been banned from schools operated by the Department of Defense.
“It is a great shock for me to learn that my first book, Freckleface Strawberry, has been banned by the Trump Administration from schools run by the Department of Defense.”
She explained that the book was written to help children navigate their struggles, reminding them that differences make people unique.
Moore also reflected on her deep ties to military education, having been a graduate of Frankfurt American High School, a former DoD-run institution in Germany.
“I grew up with a father who is a Vietnam veteran and spent his career in the US Army. I could not be prouder of him and his service to our country.”
Moore expressed disappointment and frustration, stating that military children—like herself—would no longer have access to a book that reflects similar life experiences.
The Department of Defense’s review of school materials comes as part of two executive orders issued under Trump: “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism” and “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling.”
These policies call for a sweeping review of educational materials, ensuring they align with the administration’s ideological standards on gender, race, and identity topics.
This initiative has already affected over 67,000 students across 160 DoDEA schools worldwide, prompting concerns from educators, parents, and free speech advocates.
PEN America, a nonprofit defending free expression, has spoken out against the move, stating that such actions reflect a “flippant and autocratic approach to educational oversight.”
Moore is now questioning why her book was deemed controversial, stating that its message promotes self-acceptance, not political ideology.
“I can’t help but wonder what is so controversial about this picture book that caused it to be banned by the US Government.”
She emphasized that the freedom of speech and expression should remain protected and was shocked to see such actions taken in a country that claims to uphold constitutional rights.
The Department of Defense has yet to issue a statement clarifying why Freckleface Strawberry was included in its review.
With censorship debates heating up, the ban on Moore’s book has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle between education, government policies, and artistic freedom.
As the situation unfolds, questions remain about the long-term impact of these policies and what this could mean for future educational content in America.
Feature Image Credit: (Instagram/ @juliannemoore)
