Report finds ‘disturbing’ racism, sexism at US military academy

Report on Virginia Military Institute comes amid ongoing efforts to stamp out racism and sexual assault in US military.

A prominent military institute in the United States has failed to address institutional racism and sexism, including sexual assault, according to a report released on Tuesday, which urges the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) to be held accountable to make long-term changes. The 145-page report (PDF), put together by independent law firm Barnes & Thornburg at the request of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, states that “racial slurs and jokes are not uncommon” and “contribute to an atmosphere of hostility toward minorities”. One white cadet is quoted as saying he hears the n-word spoken by other white cadets up to “10 times a day from various people, that’s not an exaggeration”.