The Air Force Academy chapel Wednesday, March 22, 2017 (Mark Reis, The Gazette)
An
Air Force Academy cadet candidate once thought the victim of racial
slurs at the preparatory school on campus was actually the vandal who
scrawled the threatening messages across the note boards outside his
room and the dwellings of classmates.
The academy confirmed that
finding Tuesday afternoon, and stood by a stern speech given by its top
general in the wake of the incident. Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria gathered
cadets and staff members for a speech that has gone viral in videos
posted across the internet. He said that those who can't respect others
"need to get out."
"Regardless
of the circumstances under which those words were written, they were
written, and that deserved to be addressed," Silveria said in a Tuesday
email. "You can never over-emphasize the need for a culture of dignity
and respect - and those who don't understand those concepts, aren't
welcome here."
The cadet candidate involved, whose name was not released, is no longer enrolled at the school.
In
late September, five African-American cadet candidates at the prep
school were targeted with a racial slur and the words "go home" on
erasable note boards outside their room.
The incident kicked off a
scandal at the school and led to a sweeping probe by academy police and
the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
"We can confirm
that one of the cadet candidates who was allegedly targeted by racist
remarks written outside of their dorm room was actually responsible for
the act," academy spokesman Lt. Col. Allen Herritage said in an email.
"The individual admitted responsibility and this was validated by the
investigation."
Several
sources say the cadet candidate, who hasn't been identified, committed
the act in a bizarre bid to get out of trouble he faced at the school
for other misconduct. The prep school offers a year of training for
academy prospects who need academic help. The school is primarily used
to fill athletic rosters for the academy's 37 NCAA teams.
Herritage wouldn't confirm the circumstances around the incident.
"We
acknowledge that there may be additional information already in the
public space, but we will refrain from discussing further details
surrounding the investigation due to privacy act requirements," he said.
No
matter its origins, the incident sparked a national discussion on
racism and the academy's swift and public response. Silveria was widely
praised for his strong speech, with some suggesting he run for high
office after he leaves the service.
The
academy for the past 15 years has focused on programs that attempt to
curb racism, gender discrimination, sexual assault in the ranks and
religious bigotry.
"Racism
has no place at the Academy, in any shape or form. We will continue to
create a climate of dignity and respect for all, encourage ideas that do
so, and hold those who fail to uphold these standards accountable,"
Herritage said.
The racist incident was one of several woes to
hit the school recently. Several players and coaches from the academy
lacrosse team were suspended last month for unspecified misconduct.
Additionally,
the school is investigating 13 freshmen accused of cheating on a test
of basic military knowledge. The test includes simple questions, some
asking cadets to recite quotes and name key military leaders.
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