WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (CT-2), and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) sent a letter to Rear Admiral James E. Rendón, Superintendent of the United States Coast Guard Academy, after allegations of racial hostility on the campus were reported on Sunday.

“As members of the Connecticut federal delegation, we are writing in reference to a news story in The Day on Saturday, September 2, 2017, which detailed disturbing allegations from minority cadets alleging that an atmosphere of racial hostility exists on campus,” wrote the members. “As strong supporters of the Academy and its historic role of producing the Coast Guard’s leadership, we are sure you agree that a meaningful, transparent response is required to further advance the institution’s mission.

“We recognize that the Academy has been engaged in a concerted effort to boost minority enrollment over the last eight years and has shown significant progress in the numbers at the time of matriculation. Higher admission rates have to be coupled with robust retention in order to ensure a higher graduation rate for minority cadets so that Coast Guard leadership ultimately reflects the multicultural makeup of the country’s population. Ensuring that the Academy’s environment and culture are free of any racial animus is critical to achieving such an outcome." 

The full text of the letter is below

September 5, 2017

Rear Admiral James E. Rendón
Superintendent
United States Coast Guard Academy
New London, Connecticut

Dear Admiral Rendón:

As members of the Connecticut federal delegation, we are writing in reference to a news story in The Day on Saturday, September 2, 2017, which detailed disturbing allegations from minority cadets alleging that an atmosphere of racial hostility exists on campus. As strong supporters of the Academy and its historic role of producing the Coast Guard’s leadership, we are sure you agree that a meaningful, transparent response is required to further advance the institution’s mission.

We recognize that the Academy has been engaged in a concerted effort to boost minority enrollment over the last eight years and has shown significant progress in the numbers at the time of matriculation. Higher admission rates have to be coupled with robust retention in order to ensure a higher graduation rate for minority cadets so that Coast Guard leadership ultimately reflects the multicultural makeup of the country’s population. Ensuring that the Academy’s environment and culture are free of any racial animus is critical to achieving such an outcome. 

As supporters of the Academy, we are committed to helping accomplish that goal. In the meantime, we would appreciate your prompt response to this matter. 

Yours truly, 

JOE COURTNEY                                               
Member of Congress     
                                            
RICHARD BLUMENTHAL
United States Senator
 
CHRISTOPHER S. MUPRHY
United States Senator

###