Forbes contributor Eric Tegler wrote an outstanding article explaining D&I instruction, programs and culture at the US Air Force Academy. Much of the information presented was obtained from the office of Rep Mike Waltz, R-Fla.
The article discusses:
- the mandatory recent training session titled “Diversity & Inclusion: What it is, why we care, & what we can do”;
- the lawsuit STARRS filed against the Department of Defense for not responding to Freedom of Information Act requests regarding the academy’s diversity training;
- signs of discontent among service members and cadets about the training and emphasis on D&I;
- the new D&I minor program of instruction now offered;
- affinity groups focused specific “identities”; and
- the incorporation of D&I cadet positions in the squadron, group and wing staffs (identified by a purple rope they wear across their left shoulder) that are guided by USAFA’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
A very recent development is also explored, the academy is advertising and encouraging cadets to apply for identity-based fellowships that restrict application to specific identity groups and minorities, specifically stating that cisgender men not apply; apparently not even cisgender minority men are allowed to apply!
ABOVE PHOTO: Cadets pose for a photo after graduating from the Cadet Wing Diversity and Inclusion Program this summer, allowing them to advise students on diversity at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Each cadet wears a purple rope across their left shoulder symbolizing their position as a diversity representative. (U.S. Air Force Academy photo)
Those who go through the program are given a purple rope to wear across their left shoulder “symbolizing their position as a diversity representative” so that they can “advise students on diversity,” according to an Academy press release.
From the Forbes article: “To those of us who are a little bit older, it reminds us of what the Soviets used to do or what the Chinese do today, where they literally have political commissars inserted at every level end of the chain of command, but they have a separate reporting chain to ensure that the military is abiding by their ideology and their political doctrine.” — Rep. Mike Waltz
Political Commissars (Wikipedia)
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