I earnestly believe that the leadership of MARAD and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy should be required to adhere to the same Honor Code requirements that apply to Midshipmen. With that in mind, please consider the following statement from Superintendent Helis that was published in the July 2016 USMMA Newsletter:
“The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) recently issued their accreditation determination, and while they found the Academy’s academic foundation is sound, and in many ways exemplary, they issued a warning with recommendations regarding two broad areas separate from academics: combatting [sic] sexual harassment and assault, particularly during Sea Year; and governance of the USMMA.”
So here’s a challenge for all readers. I will pay $100,000 to the first person who can show me in the accreditation determination where it says that combating sexual harassment “particularly during Sea Year” is mentioned. Note: The accreditation determination specifically says that “The pervasiveness of sexual harassment on campus must be addressed as a pressing and substantial concern that has fostered a hostile environment for many cohorts of midshipmen.” (Emphasis added.) As the report makes very clear, the phrase “on campus” does not refer to Sea Year and arguments to the contrary will not be the basis for the payment of the reward. I will be the sole judge as to whether the appropriate proof has been provided.
Please share this far and wide. Please send it to your Representatives and Senators. And remember, “A midshipman shall not lie, cheat or steal.” Shouldn’t the leaders of those midshipmen be held to the same standard?