(AP) WEST POINT, N.Y. In reaction to the Trump administration’s efforts to eradicate diversity initiatives across the government, the U.S. Military Academy has dissolved twelve West Point cadet clubs that focused on sexual orientation, gender, color, and ethnicity.
In accordance with recent directives from the Army and Defense Department, the renowned military institution in New York sent out a memo on Tuesday banning organizations such as the Asian-Pacific Forum Club, Latin Cultural Club, National Society of Black Engineers Club, and Society of Women Engineers Club. It also disbanded the gay-straight coalition Spectrum and the decades-old female cadet leadership club Corbin Forum.
Last month, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that ordered the federal government’s diversity, equity, and inclusion workforce to be placed on paid leave and eventually dismissed off, with the goal of stopping all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
All other cadet clubs were likewise instructed by the West Pointmemo to suspend operations until officials could examine the organizations and make sure they adhered to Trump administration regulations.
In a statement, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point stated that the clubs that were closed were sponsored by its previous office of diversity and inclusion, and that it is currently assessing activities connected to that office.
“Our leadership will continue to provide opportunities for cadets to pursue their academic, military, and physical fitness interests while adhering to Army policy, directives, and guidance,” the statement says, adding that there are still over 100 clubs at the U.S. Military Academy.
The Department of Defense sent a link to recent Defense Department guidance that stated that DoD Components and Military Departments will not use official resources, including man-hours, to host celebrations or events related to cultural awareness months like Black History Month going forward. However, the Department of Defense directed questions about the memo to the Army and West Point.
According to the Defense instruction, attempts to split the force in order to prioritize one group over another undermine unity and jeopardize the success of the mission.
Geoffrey Easterling, a West Point alumnus who participated in one of the now-dissolved clubs during his time at the academy, said the organizations were accessible to all cadets and gave them a chance to socialize with peers and people from other cultures.
FILE: On Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in West Point, New York, West Point cadets salute during the playing of the national anthem before the Army Black Knights and Massachusetts play in the NCAA college football tournament at Michie Stadium. (File: Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/AP Photo)
All that existed was community. He claimed that none of the topics that people are concerned about were taught. You could ask upperclassmen for aid with your coursework or to learn more about the military.
The goal of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives is to empower historically marginalized communities. Conservatives, however, have attacked such programs, claiming they discriminate against white people.
Female cadets and cadets of color have spoken out about having to overcome intolerance, despite the fact that the country’s military service academies have gradually become more ethnically diverse and have admitted more women in recent decades.
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