The Citadel is stunned after photos of cadets dressed in KKK style hoods appear on social media.
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, has suspended several cadets after photos of them wearing Ku Klux Klan style hoods appeared on Facebook.
Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the top public college in the South for institutions granting up to a master’s degree, the school is swiftly taking action immediately suspending “those cadets known to be involved,” according to the school’s president, retired Lt. Gen. John W. Rosa.
“Preliminary reports are cadets were singing Christmas carols as part of a ‘Ghosts of Christmas Past’ skit,” Rosa, said in a statement, adding: “These images are not consistent with our core values of honor, duty and respect.”
The full statement reads:
A social media posting, which I find offensive and disturbing, was brought to my attention this morning. It shows an upper class cadet in front of seven cadets with pillowcases over their heads. In accordance with College policy, we immediately began suspension proceedings for those cadets known to be involved, and we are continuing to investigate this incident. Preliminary reports are cadets were singing Christmas carols as part of a “Ghosts of Christmas Past” skit. These images are not consistent with our core values of honor, duty and respect.
We will provide more information upon completion of the investigation.
Lt. Gen. John W. Rosa, USAF (Ret.)
President, The Citadel
NBC News reports that “On the Citadel Alumni Association’s Facebook page, there was both anger and embarrassment over the photos.”
“The stupid and utterly unacceptable and deeply offensive actions of a few, should not sully a whole college,” one member posted. “Shame on those who did this and thankyou (sic) to the college leadership in acting so quickly.”
On the Citadel Minority-Alumni Facebook page, the consensus was even stronger.
“Why would anyone think that this is ok?” one post read. “Will the administration at The Citadel let this go? This picture is a disgrace and a slap in the face. Who are the cadets in this picture and who is their cadet leadership? We’re watching to see how this all plays out…”
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