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Subj: Superintendent Message on Dignity and Respect
Refer to: Central Region Letter 05-05; March 23,
2005
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Chapter Officers
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and other alumni in your area.
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The DOD
Inspector General recently issued a report of a survey taken of sexual
harassment at the three major service academies. That report has been given
widespread press coverage. The Superintendent, Rod Rempt ’66, issued a
message on this topic which is reproduced verbatim below:
“Ladies
and Gentlemen - You well know that our mission at the Naval Academy focuses on developing midshipmen morally, mentally and physically to become combat
leaders of the highest character to lead Sailors and Marines.
With this in mind, we endeavor to develop a professional command climate that
fosters dignity and respect amongst midshipmen, while also encouraging
personal responsibility and accountability. We expect our midshipmen to
live and uphold the highest standards, just as they will be expected to do so
as junior officers. These standards are expected to be upheld by our Faculty
and Staff as well.
The standard we set for midshipmen is simple yet very clear: zero tolerance
for sexual harassment, misconduct and assault. Our goal is to prevent these
unacceptable behaviors from ever occurring by comprehensive education,
awareness training and the consistent enforcement of standards.
Off-color jokes, sexual innuendo and other disrespectful actions tear at the
very fabric of unit cohesion and teamwork. If allowed to persist, the
climate in Bancroft Hall could quickly erode into one that is coercive and
hostile instead of one that is professional and cohesive. We work to
educate all hands about expectations and implement standards through easily
understood procedures. When necessary, we enforce our standards and
hold individuals accountable through counseling, punishment and
remediation. In order to make these standards real, our leadership,
including military and civilian faculty, staff and midshipmen, are expected
to set the example by personally meeting our high standards and by demonstrating
professionalism both on and off duty.
We strive to develop a positive, professional command climate by using
parallels found in the Fleet and Fleet Marine Force. Rooms in Bancroft
Hall equate to staterooms on a ship, not dorm rooms; they are professional
working and living areas. King Hall compares to a wardroom mess,
requiring officers and midshipmen to observe appropriate manners and conduct
with each member of the mess. The midshipman company chain of command
is likewise similar to a typical ship or Marine unit command structure,
relying on the distinction necessary in view of increased responsibility from
one level to the next. Liberty off the Yard bears the same
responsibilities as liberty ashore from an active duty unit; all hands must
realize their actions and behavior while on liberty reflect directly on the Naval Academy, the Navy and Marine Corps, and our Nation.
In the past 18 months the Naval Academy has briefed several groups, including
the DoD Inspector General; the Defense Task Force on the prevention of sexual
harassment, misconduct and assault at the Service Academies; members of the
Tillie Fowler Commission; our Board of Visitors; and the other Service Academies on our prevention, deterrence and response programs. We welcome
review of our programs and the collection and sharing of data we can use to
improve our efforts to prevent and deter sexual harassment, misconduct and
assault. Our approach has always been one of full cooperation.
We anticipate the DoD Inspector General (IG) report on Sexual Assault and
Leadership at the Service Academies will be released shortly. The DoD
IG conducted a survey onboard the Naval Academy nearly a year ago. The
same survey was conducted at West Point and Air Force. Most of the data
collected involves what midshipmen think other midshipmen think
(perceptions), what they believe or their personal opinion
(beliefs/opinions), and in some cases, actual experiences.
Not surprisingly, a portion of the data indicates some of our midshipmen have
experienced harassment and assault over the four years covered by the
survey. It shows that midshipmen's perception of the Honor Concept is
weaker than the other academies, and it shows men and women midshipmen
believe the other gender receives preferential treatment. It also
provides specific data about the number and nature of sexual assaults
involving both men and women.
Annually the Naval Academy also conducts a survey to measure midshipmen's
attitude and experiences in a variety of areas, including sexual harassment,
misconduct and assault. Our most recent survey, conducted in October
2004 shows that we're making steady progress in several areas such as sexual
harassment, assault, perceptions of fairness, and overall satisfaction.
These issues require sustained and constant attention, but we are encouraged
by the most recent survey results.
Sexual harassment, misconduct and assault are not tolerated in the Navy and
Marine Corps and they are not tolerated at the Naval Academy. Preventing
and deterring these is a key focus for us in Annapolis. We strive to
establish a climate which encourages reporting of these incidents, so we can
support the victim and deal with allegations fairly and appropriately.
One incident of sexual harassment, misconduct, or assault is too many.
However, when incidents do occur, we want to encourage reporting so that we
can provide maximum support to the victim and resolve the issue
appropriately.
The very idea that anyone here at the Naval Academy could be part of an
environment that fosters sexual harassment, misconduct, or even assault is of
great concern to me; it keeps me awake at night. Preventing and
deterring this unacceptable behavior that I and all the Academy leaders take
to heart. Each of us expects our peers and subordinates to uphold the
highest standards, and in so doing, set the very best example of leadership
for our midshipmen to emulate.
I ask for your continued help in ensuring that our policy gets out to our
Alumni and parents. Thank you.
VADM Rodney Rempt, USN
Superintendent”
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