Earlier this week, Reps. Mike Turner (OH-10) and Anthony Brown (MD-4) sent bipartisan letters to the Superintendents of the service academies regarding actions each academy has taken to address racism within their ranks. This inquiry follows Turner and Brown’s inclusion of the PANORAMA Act in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The PANORAMA Act increases Congress and the service academies’ ability to appoint a student body that represents the diversity of our nation.
“The Armed Services and their respective service academies are some of the most respected institutions in America. As the incubators of the future leaders of our military, the service academies must initiate the change necessary to eliminate racism in their ranks and build diverse teams,” said Turner. “That is why Rep. Brown and I have invited the Superintendents of the service academies to brief a group of Members of the Armed Services Committee to ensure that that concrete steps are being taken to address this vital issue.”
“Our service academies train the next generation of military leadership and are critical to creating a culture of diversity and inclusion, which improves mission readiness. Racism and bias have no place in our ranks and that value must extend throughout our Academies,” said Brown. “Our strength is in our diversity. Fostering and promoting an inclusive, welcoming force will make us safer at home and abroad. This is a bipartisan priority that I look forward to advancing alongside my colleagues like Rep. Turner and senior military leadership.”
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