An official at the Department of Veterans Affairs drafted a memo to ban the photo of a sailor kissing a woman at the end of World War II for violating agency guidances on “sexual assault.”

RimaAnn Nelson, an undersecretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs, said in a leaked draft memo that the picture, which depicts a Navy sailor kissing a woman he did not know on the streets of New York City after victory in Japan was announced, contradicted their commitment to “maintaining a safe, respectful, and trauma-informed environment.” The memo claimed that “employees have expressed discomfort” with the photograph and ordered the removal of any displays involving the picture from Veterans Affairs facilities.

“To foster a more trauma-informed environment that promotes the psychological safety of our employees and the veterans we serve, photographs depicting the ‘V-J Day in Times Square’ should be removed,” the memo said. “This action reflects our dedication to creating a respectful and safe workplace and is in keeping with our broader efforts to promote a culture of inclusivity.”

The image captured by famed photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt was taken as George Mendonsa, who served in the Navy, spotted and grabbed Greta Friedman, a dental hygienist, and kissed her as people celebrated the end of World War II in the streets. Friedman later described the moment as “just an event of ‘thank God the war is over’ kind of thing.”

Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough clarified on social media that the image would not be “banned from VA facilities.” Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke, both Republicans from Montana, sent a letter to McDonough asking for the dismissal of Nelson.

“The VA needs to reassess its priorities and start putting veterans at the center of their everyday operating posture,” the lawmakers wrote. “This cannot begin to happen with leadership structures advocating political policies over veteran priorities and those responsible for this misguided memo need to be held accountable.”