The Coast Guard Academy

THE COAST GUARD ACADEMY -- (Extensions of Remarks - October 04, 2007)

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SPEECH OF
HON. JOE COURTNEY
OF CONNECTICUT
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2007

* Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss a very serious issue facing the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.

* On July 15, 2007 aboard the United States Coast Guard barque Eagle training vessel, a Third Class male minority cadet returned from watch to his stateroom to find a small noose in his bag. The next morning at an all-hands muster, the cadet stepped forward to show the entire crew the noose and make clear that he was offended by it. Although the person responsible could not be identified, the commander of the Eagle held an ``all hands'' meeting to outline the clear standards of conduct and expectations for Coast Guard cadets. The Academy followed up by conducting race-relations training for all cadets. Alarmingly, the officer conducting the training later found a noose in her office as well.

* I recently had the opportunity to speak to the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Admiral Thad Allen, to express my concern over these incidents. Racism and hate have no place at our military academies, on our academic campuses or in our society. Our discussion made it clear to me that the Coast Guard takes this matter seriously, and is working to get to the root of the problem and identify the perpetrators. The Coast Guard Investigative Service is currently reviewing this matter and I am confident that they will do all they can to ensure that those responsible for these hateful acts are held accountable for their actions.

* We must make clear that actions like this have no place at the Coast Guard Academy--a facility that is shaping future officers responsible for the protection of our nation. The image of the noose is an enduring symbol of the brutal lynching that occurred in the south during the civil rights era and its powerful effect should not be taken lightly nor its evocation tolerated. It is important that the Coast Guard, and our society, sends a strong message to these misinformed individuals that there is zero tolerance for racism and hate.

* The Coast Guard Academy has always held the highest standard of academic excellence and world-class training for those who protect our shores. The Coast Guard's core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty are more than simple words--they are a way of life that the Academy strives to en grain in every cadet.

* A vast majority of the cadets represent the best the Coast Guard and our nation have to offer: bright, dedicated young men and women who demonstrate tolerance and respect for each other, regardless of race or background. Those who do not meet the Coast Guard's core values simply have no place at its Academy.

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