The Biden administration's Veteran's Affairs Department banned the famous V-J Day kiss photo, calling it a "depiction of sexual assault" and then reversed the decision after backlash.
The VA memo, obtained by End Wokeness, detailed, "This action is promoted by the recognition that the photograph, which depicts a non-consensual act, is inconsistent with the VA's no-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and assault, as outlined in VA Handbook 5979 and VHA Directive."
After backlash ensued on X over the leak, the Military Times released a report where officials verified the memo, but said it was rescinded on Tuesday after mass media coverage. It was written by Veterans Health Administration’s top operations official RimaAnn Nelson.
The rescinded memo stated, "Recent discussions have highlighted concerns about the non-consensual nature of the kiss, prompting debates on consent and the appropriateness of celebrating such images in today's environment, especially within institutions, such as VHA facilities."
Secretary Denis McDonough of the VA posted on X that the image "is not banned from VA facilities" but a community note was published under his post with reports verifying its authenticity.
The memo spoke on how the VA facilitates needed to foster an environment that is "respectful and safe" as well as "keeping with [the VA's] broader efforts to promote a culture of inclusivity and awareness."
It instructed offices to remove the photo from any facilities and to instead replace the photo with "replacements that honor our history and veterans in a manner consistent with our values."
The VA in the memo emphasized its "zero-tolerance" policy with regard to sexual assault and that it was "committed to eliminating these behaviors in [its] community."
Another internal memo in a Biden administration executive branch agency has included Antony Blinken's State Department labeling terms like "manpower" as well as "mother" as "problematic" and not inclusive enough for woke concerns over gender stereotypes.
Other woke language the administration has used includes labeling illegal immigrants "newcomers" in a recent press release as well.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story covered the image being banned initially. It has now been updated.
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