Academy honor cases focus on redemption, not expulsion

Commandant stepping up enforcement; some graduates contend standards not high enough

By EARL KELLY, Staff Writer

Capital Gazette Communications

Published 11/01/09

Despite its reputation for setting high standards, the Naval Academy rarely dismisses anyone for lying, cheating or stealing, according to thousands of pages of documents obtained by concerned graduates under the federal Freedom of Information Act.

By Paul W. Gillespie — The Capital Naval Academy Commandant of Midshipmen Capt. Matthew Klunder holds a copy of the school’s honor manual while discussing concerns expressed by some graduates that honor violations aren’t taken seriously. “We have brought increased energy and increased focus, and I am pleased with that,” he said.

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It's a disturbing trend, these graduates contend, because Naval Academy midshipmen, as junior officers, become responsible for weapons systems, national security and the welfare of the young men and women who enlist in the Navy and Marine Corps.

Academy officials counter that the honor code, or Honor Concept as it is called at the Naval Academy, is alive and...

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Honor Violation - 2010-01-04 14:02:09

People here seem to forget these are just college students. Most with higher standards than those at state or local colleges but still college students. To hang them out to dry for one offense is seems awfully harsh. It's never ok to lie, cheat or steal, but each case should be looked at keeping in mind kids and yes these students are kids, do dumb things but it doesnt make them dumb. I wonder how mnay of you alumni who think these kids are getting off soft, messed up at their age and didnt get caught

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stuart weiss - stevensville, MD - Karma: Neutral

Quantico Cheating Scandal - 2009-12-31 15:07:01

Earl:

Check-out what's going on at Quantico/USMC base RIGHT NOW with former USNA FB Adam Ballard. Cheating on land navigation course, involving a bunch of former Navy FB players/Marines at Quantico who attempted to feed him the answers.

And how is it that former wide receiver O.J. Washington ('08) gets NAAA-awards at graduation despite having MULTIPLE honor offenses and plagiarism.

We've lowered standards across the board, and especially for honor cases. We are reaping what we sow.

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Navy Backer - High Point, NC - Karma: Neutral

Weakness - 2009-11-03 23:57:31

Honor and integrity should be one of the most important focuses of midshipmen development at the academy. The academy needs to focus on quality, not quantity; lives of civilians and military personnel depend on the abilities of these future officers. There should be one forgiveness for violating honor, at the MOST! Theft especially should not be tolerated whatsoever! Stealing is malicious, selfish, and is the physical embodiment of a lie. A person who commits this honor offense, also a CRIME, has no right to be at the academy. Allowing such heinous infractions of honor allows weak midshipmen to become officers; this allowance shows other midshipman the standard is not upheld and weakens their resolve to follow a standard that is not taken seriously. This current, overly-lenient policy is breeding weakness.

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John Q - Smallville, PA - Karma: Neutral

Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-11-02 09:50:47

Staff message: Why is this comment hidden?

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Fred - 2009-11-02 09:10:17

Are you kidding me? So according to you, this is the New Navy where it's OK to lie, cheat and steal? I completely disagree; this is a time when we need men and women of the absolute highest integrity to be defending our country and protecting its citizens. It's never OK to be dishonest, or complacent.

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Julie H. - , - Karma: Neutral

Obstruction - 2009-11-01 18:35:00

I'm appalled that USNA obviously obstructed the release of the information used to piece together this report. No wonder why older grads are cynical about the current leadership.

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Peter Zuidema - Arlington, VA - Karma: Neutral

Scooter Libby - 2009-11-01 10:01:36

Well, so it goes. When Libby was pardoned by Bush the tone was set that if you do it, don't get caught, if you get caught deny deny deny and if you get busted their will be no real consequences.
These grumpy old grads are typical of the bitter boys that look back at their own experiences and wish pain and suffering upon all.
This is the New Navy, these are new times, we fight new types of "wars" ....we don't need the type of officer's we used to need.--Get used to it

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Fred Shubbie - , - Karma: Terrible