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The daughter of the first Black Marine, Edgar Huff, has expressed disbelief that her father’s legacy is being discussed in relation to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, according to a report from ABC News.

Huff, who broke the color barrier in the Marine Corps in 1948, is now at the center of a debate following comments made by Representative Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican, who criticized the Marine Corps’ efforts to highlight Huff’s contributions as part of its DEI programming. Gaetz questioned why the Marine Corps was focusing on Huff’s race during a recent House Armed Services Committee hearing.

“It’s unbelievable to observe my dad caught up in DEI,” Huff’s daughter stated to ABC News. The daughter, whose name was not immediately released, further indicated her father’s service was about patriotism and breaking barriers, not about being a symbol for contemporary social policy debates.

The Marine Corps has been actively working to increase diversity within its ranks and to acknowledge the contributions of service members from all backgrounds. Highlighting Huff’s pioneering role is part of this effort, but it has drawn criticism from some conservatives who view DEI initiatives with skepticism.

Representative Gaetz’s comments sparked a wider discussion about the role of DEI in the military and whether focusing on race and identity undermines unit cohesion and readiness. Supporters of DEI argue that it is essential for creating a more inclusive and effective fighting force.

The Marine Corps has not publicly responded to the specific criticism from Gaetz or the daughter’s comments as of February 14, 2026. The service is currently reviewing its DEI policies following scrutiny from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.