Palm Coast Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. - During a recent House Oversight & Accountability Committee hearing on the Risks of Progressive Ideologies in the U.S. Military, U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz engaged in a heated exchange with Brigadier General Ty Seidule (Ret.), a former head of the history department at West Point and a House Democrat witness. The focus of the discussion was on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at U.S. service academies and the definition of equity.

Waltz began by questioning Seidule's knowledge of Marxism and Critical Race Theory (CRT) in the military and at West Point. Seidule admitted that he had not heard of these ideologies until they became a national issue and that he was not aware of them being taught at West Point.

The discussion then turned to the concept of Critical Race Theory. Waltz argued that CRT promotes the idea that white people are enraged by Black advancement in society. Seidule disagreed, stating that education should provide a variety of different perspectives and that CRT is not the foundation for DEI.

Waltz further pressed Seidule to define the difference between equity and equality. Seidule admitted that he did not know what equity is, which prompted Waltz to criticize the DEI initiatives in the military and the lack of understanding on the part of an expert witness.

The exchange continued with Waltz presenting documents that showed racial goals and quotas for admissions at West Point. Seidule countered that athletes make up a significant portion of admissions and that there are no quotas. Waltz argued that when admissions are based on skin color, it becomes a zero-sum game, taking slots from one group to give to another.

Waltz also pointed to a memorandum from the Secretary of the Air Force that outlined racial percentages and goals. He expressed concern that his wife, who is an Army veteran and Arab, did not have a place in the chart. Waltz argued that such policies are divisive and destructive.

In his concluding remarks, Waltz highlighted the politicization of the military and the negative impact it has on recruitment. He emphasized the need for change and cited Congress's ban on CRT in the military and the elimination of divisive DEI bureaucrats as steps in the right direction. Waltz asserted that a meritocracy with equal opportunity for all is the goal, and fighting racism with more racism is not the solution.

Throughout the exchange, Waltz repeatedly asked Seidule for data on the impact of diversity on military readiness. Seidule was unable to provide the requested data.

The exchange between Waltz and Seidule underscores the ongoing debate surrounding DEI initiatives and the definition of equity in the military. As Congress continues to address these issues, the future of diversity and inclusion in the armed forces remains a topic of significant discussion and concern.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://waltz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=864