Posted on 01/31/2005 11:00:00 AM PST by jb6
WASHINGTON (AFP) - A well-known US academy that moulds cadets for potential military careers has opened an investigation after photographs of some of its students posing in Nazi costumes and parodying gays were posted on a public website.
VMI Photo
The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) said it was "disappointed" in the cadets' behaviour, but that the probe will determine whether any disciplinary actions will be taken against those involved, some of whom also parodied Africans during an October 2004 Halloween party.
Although the party at the academy's "barracks" in rural Virginia occurred several months ago, the photographs of cadets -- showing some adopting Nazi salutes -- only surfaced recently on a public website.
"Photographs taken during a Halloween costume party in Barracks last October 2004 that showed VMI cadets parodying Nazis and stereotyping other groups have been posted to an Internet chatroom," the academy said in a statement issued Friday.
"While recognizing cadets have rights as private citizens to express themselves, VMI is disappointed in their behavior and judgment," the statement said.
The photos of the VMI cadets wearing Nazi costumes to a party at the academy emerged weeks after a photograph of Britain's Prince Harry dressed as a Nazi at a January 8 party in Britain were published in the media sparking a political firestorm across Europe.
One of the VMI cadets pictured in Nazi dress appears to have a small mustache similar to the one adopted by Adolf Hitler.
Other photographs posted on the Richmond.indymedia.org website show cadets mocking gays; in one a cadet with a bull's eye target attached to his buttocks bends over while a shirtless cadet poses behind him.
Another photograph shows a cadet painted brown from head to toe wearing just a loincloth.
The academy in Lexington, Virginia, is not military-run like West Point, but it claims to be the US' oldest state military college and many of its graduates go on to illustrious military careers.
Founded in 1839, famous alumni include former US secretary of state George C. Marshall who led Europe's reconstruction under the so-called 'Marshall Plan' following the Allied victory over the Nazi Germany.
A contingent of cadets from the school -- where tuition can cost 17,512 dollars a year -- also took part in President George W. Bush (news - web sites)'s recent inaugural parade here.
VMI's website also lists four military alumni who died in Iraq (news - web sites) serving with US forces there.
and left as a major == and left the Army as a major
Looks like they had a gay time. What's the big deal?
I appreciate that VMI isn't a military academy, but it's fair to presume they're aiming to lead men in combat, and/or assume leadership positions in society, not looking to become dentists (no disrespect to dentists).
Mr Blackface and the two Mr. Gays have not only compromised their ability to lead, but compromised any discrimination suits future employers might be hit with over their actions. The various Mr. Nazis are just stupid.
Yes, I know they're just college kids, but my impression is that VMI is still one of those schools that expects ethical standards in conduct.
What could possibly be unethical about party costumes?
Too much to expect any discipline these days I guess. Every one of these bozos should be kicked out.
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