Comparison of an Email Written by Gen Clark in June 2023 vs Congressional Testimony In July 2023

June 2023
Gen Clark Email a Day After
UNC/Harvard Supreme Court Decision

Lt. Gen. Clark’s 6/30/23 email statements–known because of a FOIA by a news organization– follow:

Clark: USAFA Admissions “shape[s] the racial diversity of each incoming class ….”

Clark: USAFA’s “shaping” actions include considering race and ethnicity in admissions decisions for “10-20%” of each incoming class

Clark: Race is also “emphasized” in USAFA Prep School selections “to increase racial diversity in the cadet wing and Congressional representation,” and such emphasis “provides an outsized proportion of the cadet wing’s diversity ….”

Note Gen. Clark’s words, “emphasis” on race “to increase racial diversity.”

Race is, as admitted by Gen. Clark, in certain “windows” used for the express purpose of “shaping” the racial composition of the entering class, i.e., increasing the degree of racial diversity.

In such instances, race becomes the dispositive factor for both the preferenced, lower scoring candidates who are selected and the non-preferenced, higher scoring candidates who are rejected.

Note also: DoD, evidently therefore, has continued its longstanding use of racial preferences in prep school and Academy admissions, but it has concealed its practices and any DoD policy guidance from the public.

Facts on the Ground

Race is used to shape the racial demographics of each class when competing candidates are not similar in overall qualifications.

A 2018 study of West Point admissions found significant differences in composite grade point average (for academic, military, and physical performance during the 4-year period, called “CQPA”), averaging 3.06 for Asians, 3.02 for Whites, 2.76 for Hispanics, and 2.51 for Blacks, with significant differences in attrition rates (17%, 21%, 24%, and 31%, respectively).

A 2004 study of USNA admissions practices found that “African American candidates have a considerably lower mean candidate multiple as compared to other candidates…. the report continues, “The performance models reveal minorities, on average, are less likely to graduate, more likely to be lower in Order of Merit, and more likely to have a lower academic and military grade point average.

What is occurring in Academy Admission is contrary to “equal opportunity,” fundamentally unfair to those higher scoring candidates who are rejected because of their skin color, violative of constitutional equal protection of the law.

Again, DOD does not want to follow the Constitution, instead argues “diversity is a strategic imperative” with no data to back that statement up.

Two RAND studies (at USMA and USAFA, respectively) statistically reconfirm with real world data from two service academies (USNA declined to be studied) that intellectual quality of service academy appointees is directly correlated to both success as a cadet and success as an officer

From a Rand Report published in 2015 re: West Point

“… the WCS (weighted composite score) is statistically significantly associated with higher rates of graduation. As the WCS of a candidate increases, so does the probability of that candidate’s graduation…. The SAT/ACT score is significant …with the probability of graduation…. the WCS is a statistically significant predictor of promotion to O-5, with higher WCSs associated with higher probabilities of promotion…. Higher SAT/ACT scores … are associated with higher probabilities of promotion to O-5….” “In our judgment, the use of WCSs as the primary basis for admission decisions at West Point is warranted.”

Another Rand Report in 2016 on USAFA concluded:

“the “SAT is a significant predictor, with higher scores associated with a higher likelihood of graduation.” They also found that SAT score is predictive of GPA, MPA and OPA, rated officer promotion to O-5 and that GPA and OPA are good predictors of rated promotion to O-4, O-5, and O-6.

July 19, 2023
Testimony of Gen Clark
(Less than 3 weeks later)

Question from Cong Alford– Does a student stand a better chance of being admitted if they are of a certain demographic?

Clark: I would say not a better chance. We look at, like I mentioned, the whole person concept and demographic is just one of those attributes that we look at for a cadet to come into our academy once we know they are fully qualified to be there. So, I wouldn’t say that any demographic has a better or worse.

Question from Cong Waltz–. Is there any instance to where you have allowed the selection, the accession of a lower scoring candidate, either in your superintendent nomination category or your additional appointee candidates over someone with a higher whole candidate score based on meeting your diversity goals? (emphasis added).

Clark: That would be no, sir, for me…

Follow up from Congressman Waltz– Never elevated someone that may have a lower whole candidate score because of their ethnic background?

Clark: Have not.

Question from Congressman Banks: General Clark, I mean, how much of a difference do you think it would make if the Supreme Court decision did apply to the Air Force Academy? Do you think it would make a big difference at all?

Clark: Sir, I know again, as General Gilland mentioned, we’re assessing that right now. And what kind of a difference that would…

Unsatisfied with the non-responsive answer, Rep. Banks pressed.

Banks: What do you think? I mean, you’re the you’re the leader there. Do you think it would make a big difference or not?

Clark: I’m not as familiar with every meaning of we’re not included in the scope of this decision and exactly what that means. So, I don’t want to get out in front of that until we’re able to really analyze this.

Question for the Reader

Was Gen. Clark’s apparent evasion in his testimony, three weeks after having written his answer to substantively the same question in a non-public email, classic dissembling?

Regardless of how characterized, it seems like it very well obscured facts being sought by Members of Congress, frustrating the purpose of the hearing and effective congressional oversight of our military.

Additional Information