1/ I reflected more on the controversy of the cadets/midshipman and the OK symbol (potentially white privilege) during the broadcast of the Army Navy game yesterday.
As an American, we must hold @WestPoint_USMA to the highest standard. As a graduate, we must demand the same.
As an American, we must hold @WestPoint_USMA to the highest standard. As a graduate, we must demand the same.
2/ The mission of West Point is serious, deadly serious at times.
Our future leaders must uphold the highest ideals and in a time where values appear on the decline. West Point must be a guiding light of honor, integrity, values, and sound decision making.
Our future leaders must uphold the highest ideals and in a time where values appear on the decline. West Point must be a guiding light of honor, integrity, values, and sound decision making.
3/ America’s sons and daughters will one day be in the hands of these cadets.
While my sense this was a “gotcha joke” vs hate symbol, it doesn’t matter. America was watching.
While my sense this was a “gotcha joke” vs hate symbol, it doesn’t matter. America was watching.
4/ They should know better and have brought unnecessary debate to one the last CRITICAL bastions of institutional honor in this country.
This is unacceptable in these times of moral uncertainty, decreasing academy budgets, and increasingly chaotic world.
This is unacceptable in these times of moral uncertainty, decreasing academy budgets, and increasingly chaotic world.
5/ At worst this is hate, at best it shows poor judgement and foolishness.
Neither of which is acceptable for my great Alma Mater.
@DeanUsma @Commandant_USMA
Neither of which is acceptable for my great Alma Mater.
@DeanUsma @Commandant_USMA
6/ While I do not like the immediate assumptions the media made, the reality is they are. I highly doubt the cadets meant anything about it and punish should fit the crime. The A/N should be fun, but even purposely interrupting a live broadcast is unnecessary. And here we are...
7/ WP has set the precedent for how this should be handled. The cadet should be subject to a thorough investigation and additional training on symbols and racism. If cleared, no harm-no foul. If it's found that he had nefarious intent, then he should be punished accordingly.
8/ "We all must understand that a symbol or gesture that one group of people may find harmless may offend others. As Army officers, we are not afforded the luxury of a lack of awareness of how we are perceived," Caslen said.
cnn.com/2016/05/10/us/…
cnn.com/2016/05/10/us/…
