STARRS@STARRSmission
STARRS Calls For a Review Over Ideological Incident at U.S. Air Force Academy
Stand Together Against Racism and Radicalism in the Services, Inc. (STARRS) today expressed serious concern about a reported incident at the United States Air Force Academy involving a large gathering of academy graduates who recently displayed conduct inconsistent with military discipline and the chain of command.
According to publicly available reporting, hundreds of female active duty and civilian AFA graduates —estimated at up to 500—participated in an event on the Academy’s terrazzo (a massive, central elevated plaza and pedestrian courtyard at the heart of the Cadet Area) that allegedly included rhetoric perceived as threatening toward senior civilian leadership during a time of ongoing global conflict.
The event was reportedly affiliated with an AFA alumni group and supported by Academy-related organizations.
STARRS leadership emphasized the situation raises significant questions about the state of good order and discipline within one of the nation’s premier military institutions.
“The United States military is built on a foundation of discipline, respect for the chain of command, and a singular focus on mission readiness,” said Dr. Ron Scott, President and CEO of STARRS.
“Any activity that appears to undermine those principles—especially during a period of international tension—must be taken seriously and addressed immediately.”
STARRS further noted concerns about the potential influence of ideological movements within military training environments, warning that such dynamics can erode cohesion and readiness.
“Our armed forces cannot afford division, politicization, or ideological activism that detracts from warfighting capability,” Scott added. “The focus must remain on merit, unity, and the mission—nothing else.”
The organization also pointed to the reported involvement of former Academy leadership, including former AFA Superintendent Michelle Johnson, as an additional factor warranting transparency and accountability.
STARRS is calling for:
• A formal investigation to determine the full facts surrounding the reported event and the conduct of those involved
• A review by appropriate authorities into whether the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Air Force Academy Association of Graduates should be facilitating, sponsoring, enabling, or allowing affinity group events on Academy grounds where senior civilian leadership and elected AOG directors are publicly denigrated
• Clarification from the AOG regarding its stated position as a non-political organization, particularly considering any involvement in events where political or ideological criticism of senior officials occurs
• Clear policy guidance to ensure that future activities on Academy grounds uphold standards of professionalism, respect for leadership, and alignment with military values
“As an organization dedicated to preserving the integrity of our military,” Scott said, “we will continue to advocate for a force that is unified, apolitical, and fully prepared to defend the United States against all threats.”
“Affinity groups based on immutable traits like race and gender should be abolished at military academies because they breed divisive loyalty to subcultures and ideological agendas that undermine the unity and readiness necessary for an effective military,” said Michael T. Rose, JD/MBA, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, STARRS.
“There must be accountability and transparency,” Scott added. “If organizations associated with our military institutions claim to be non-political, their actions must reflect that standard—especially on federal military installations where professionalism and respect for leadership are paramount.”
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