Johnson Urges Biden to Prioritize Military Readiness Over Social Activism

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) sent a letter urging President Biden to prioritize true military readiness following reports of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s (USAFA) inclusive language training, instructing cadets to refer to “Mom and Dad” as “Parents/Caregivers/Guardians” and “Boyfriend/Girlfriend” as “Partner.” Following this instruction, a member of Johnson’s Service Academy Nomination board and a USAFA alumnus resigned from the board because of the politically charged programming.

“Of course, we need to treat all people with respect, but your implementation of a politicized gender inclusivity agenda is moving our military in the wrong direction,” said Johnson. “The United States has the finest military men and women in the world – their education and training should not be focused on social activism. I encourage you as Commander in Chief to rectify this issue and revoke this line of teaching at our military institutions.”

As a Member of Congress, Johnson is responsible for nominating applicants to four of the five U.S. Service Academies: the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. 

Read the full letter here or below:

October 4, 2022

The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

President of the United States

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Biden:

I write to express my concern with recent reports that cadets at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) have been instructed that diversity and inclusion training is an aspect of their military readiness.

Teaching cadets that vernacular like “mom,” “dad,” “boyfriend,” and “girlfriend” are offensive is a tremendous distraction from the true goal of our service academies: develop skilled and dedicated warfighters to protect America and American values from our enemies.

Not surprisingly, in recent days I’ve heard concerns from academy graduates, family members, and prospective cadets about these policies. Regrettably, I have had at least one member of my Service Academy Nomination board, who was a USAFA alumnus and retired officer, resign because of USAFA’s politically charged programming. Of course, we need to treat all people with respect, but your implementation of a politicized gender inclusivity agenda is moving our military in the wrong direction.

The United States has the finest military men and women in the world – their education and training should not be focused on social activism. I encourage you as Commander in Chief to rectify this issue and revoke this line of teaching at our military institutions.

Sincerely,

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