GOP Army vet congressman seeks answers about ‘critical race theory’ at West Point

A Republican congressman and Army veteran is seeking answers from the U.S. Military Academy about “elements of critical race theory” being made part of instruction for cadets at West Point, including seminars on “systemic racism” and presentation slides discussing “White Power” and “Racist Dog Whistles.”

Rep. Michael Waltz of Florida, a former Green Beret and Afghanistan War veteran, sent a letter to West Point’s superintendent, Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams, telling him, “Information has recently come to my attention from unsettled soldiers, cadets, and families that raises serious concerns about the U.S. Army’s introduction of elements of critical race theory into cadet instruction. While we should always eradicate extremism of all forms from our ranks and never tolerate racism, I am alarmed that this doctrine that focuses our future leaders on race in ways that will be detrimental to unit cohesion, destructive to morale, and strain the readiness of our armed forces.”

Waltz first noted the letter during an appearance on Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News on Thursday.

“We had a brief phone call, he assured me they’re looking into it and assured me that I will promptly get a more formal response laying out what’s being taught and why in more detail,” Waltz told the Washington Examiner of his Thursday discussion with West Point’s leader, adding, “We’re going to continue to press and get to the bottom of it.”

Screenshots obtained by the Washington Examiner seem to back up the claim that these sorts of theories had been introduced at West Point. Events deemed to be “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” seminars included “Viewing: The Defamation Experience” and “Workshop: Understanding Systemic Racism” — and the message indicated that “you MUST attend at least one of these seminars.” A presentation by the Army Cyber Institute at West Point included slides discussing “White Power at West Point” and “Racist Dog Whistles at West Point.” And a slide depicting a lecture by Emory University professor Dr. Carol Anderson titled “Understanding Whiteness and White Rage” in February seemed to have been put on by Ike Hall (Eisenhower Hall Theatre) at West Point.