West Point - The United States Military Academy has made considerable progress over the years in changing from an all white male and mostly protestant Corps of Cadets to a much more multi-cultural Corps that better reflects the Nation it serves. West Point will celebrate its most diverse graduating class ever this weekend and it includes a record-breaking number of African American women. While there is still progress to be made, I believe that one should give credit where credit is due. LTG Caslen, the previous Superintendent, significantly increased the diversity outreach program with dedicated officers responsible to find fully qualified candidates across the country he set the groundwork for the class that will graduate this weekend.
The Class of 2019 includes 34 African American women - the largest number to graduate in the school's 217-year history. Overall, 20% of the class are women. 19 of them are Hispanic. This year will also celebrate the 5,000th female cadet to graduate since women were first admitted in 1980. This year will also mark the 1,000 Jewish Cadet to graduate. Note: the Academy has graduated approximately 70,000 Cadets in its 217 years. The Academy now has openly LGBT Cadets and organizations on Campus to support them.
This is a long way from the first black cadet, Henry O. Flipper, who graduated 1877 and was then court-martialed and dismissed from the US Army a few years later. His punishment was later judged to be unfair and he was pardoned in 1999.
I would like to commend these graduates who will become 2nd Lieutenants on Saturday and wish them a safe rewarding career. Sometimes I think we all get caught up in all the bad out there (of which there is plenty) and sometimes forget that there is good and progress being made every day. I salute all graduates of West Point who have chosen to serve their nation. I would also suspect that many of these graduates would also dispel the stereotype that the Army is a right wing leaning, closed minded institution that votes for the GOP. Lets continue to support change. If you know of a highly qualified, motivated, physically fit young person, encourage them to apply. Everyone of them graduates debt free and is guaranteed a job.