The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has taken the decision to disband a dozen cadet clubs that were focused on ethnicity, gender, race, and sexuality. This move comes in response to recent guidance from the Army and Defense Department following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump aimed at halting diversity programs in the federal government.
The affected clubs include the Asian-Pacific Forum Club, Latin Cultural Club, National Society of Black Engineers Club, Society of Women Engineers Club, Corbin Forum, and Spectrum, a gay-straight alliance. The memo issued by West Point also directed all other cadet clubs to pause activities pending a review to ensure compliance with the new rules.
The decision to disband these clubs was made as they were sponsored by the former office of diversity and inclusion at West Point. The academy emphasized that there are still over one hundred clubs available for cadets to pursue various interests while adhering to Army policy.
The Defense Department's recent guidance highlighted that official resources will no longer be used for events related to cultural awareness months, citing concerns about division within the force. Critics of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs argue that they are discriminatory against white individuals.
Former cadet Geoffrey Easterling, who was a member of one of the disbanded clubs, expressed that these groups provided a sense of community and allowed cadets to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds. He emphasized that the clubs were not about teaching divisive ideologies but rather fostering relationships and offering support to fellow cadets.
While military service academies have made progress in increasing racial diversity and admitting more women in recent years, challenges remain as female cadets and cadets of color have reported facing hostility and obstacles within the institutions.
