1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Military Merit, Fairness, and Equality Act of 2023 . 2. Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) The United States Armed Forces is the greatest civil rights program in the history of the world. (2) Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Colin Powell wrote that the military [has] given African-Americans more equal opportunity than any other institution in American society . (3) Today’s Armed Forces is the most diverse large public institution in the country, and brings together Americans from every background in the service of defending the country. (4) Military readiness depends on the guarantee of equal opportunity, without the promise of an equal outcome, because warfare is a competitive endeavor and the nation’s enemies must know that the United States Armed Forces is led by the best, brightest, and bravest Americans. (5) The tenets of critical race theory are antithetical to the merit-based, all-volunteer, military that has served the country with great distinction for the last 50 years. 3. Definition of equity For the purposes of any Department of Defense Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion directive, program, policy, or instruction, the term equity is defined as the right of all persons to have the opportunity to participate in, and benefit from, programs, and activities for which they are qualified . 4. Prohibitions (a) Directives The Department of Defense shall not direct or otherwise compel any member of the Armed Forces, military dependent, or civilian employee of the Department of Defense to personally affirm, adopt, or adhere to the tenet that any sex, race, ethnicity, religion or national origin is inherently superior or inferior. (b) Training and instruction No organization or institution under the authority of the Secretary of Defense may provide courses, training, or any other type of instruction that directs, compels, or otherwise suggests that members of the Armed Forces, military dependents, or civilian employees of the Department of