Feb 7, 2025 Story by: Editor
WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) — The U.S. Military Academy has disbanded a dozen cadet clubs that focused on ethnicity, gender, race, and sexuality, aligning with the Trump administration’s broader effort to dismantle diversity initiatives across federal institutions.
A memo issued on Tuesday by the renowned New York-based military academy announced the closure of clubs such as the Asian-Pacific Forum Club, Latin Cultural Club, National Society of Black Engineers Club, and Society of Women Engineers Club. The decision follows recent directives from the Army and the Defense Department. Also among the disbanded groups were the Corbin Forum, a long-established leadership club for female cadets, and Spectrum, a gay-straight alliance.
Last month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at halting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in federal agencies. As part of the directive, staff working in these programs were placed on paid leave, with plans for eventual layoffs.
In addition to shutting down specific clubs, the West Point memo also instructed all other cadet organizations to pause their activities until they undergo a compliance review in accordance with the new administration rules.
In a statement, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point explained that the affected clubs were sponsored by its former Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which is now under review.
“More than one hundred clubs remain at the U.S. Military Academy, and our leadership will continue to provide opportunities for cadets to pursue their academic, military, and physical fitness interests while following Army policy, directives, and guidance,” the statement read.
When asked about the memo, the Department of Defense referred inquiries to the Army and West Point. However, it provided a link to recent Defense Department guidance stating: “Going forward, DoD Components and Military Departments will not use official resources, to include man-hours, to host celebrations or events related to cultural awareness months” such as Black History Month.
The guidance further emphasized concerns about division within the military, stating: “Efforts to divide the force — to put one group ahead of another — erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution.”
For some, the disbanded clubs represented more than just social organizations. Geoffrey Easterling, a West Point graduate and former member of one such club, recalled the value these groups provided to cadets.
“It was just a community. There wasn’t any teaching of all these things people are worried about,” Easterling said. “You could find help with your homework from upperclassmen, get help to know the military.”
Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are designed to support historically marginalized communities, but critics, particularly conservatives, have argued that such initiatives are discriminatory against white individuals. Over the years, the nation’s military academies have gradually become more diverse, with increasing enrollment of women and cadets from various racial backgrounds. However, many female cadets and cadets of color have spoken out about facing hostility within these institutions. Source: Yahoo News
