WASHINGTON, Nov 9, 2017 (BSS/AFP) – The US Air Force Academy Wednesday said racist graffiti that prompted its superintendent to tell bigots to “get out” in a widely-distributed speech was a hoax carried out by an alleged victim.
“We can confirm that one of the cadet candidates who was allegedly targeted by racist remarks written outside of their dorm room was actually responsible for the act,” academy spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Allen Herritage said.
The young man “admitted responsibility and this was validated by the investigation,” Herritage added.
Five African-American students at the academy’s Preparatory School reported racist comments on dormitory message boards in September.
Academy head Lieutenant General Jay Silveria addressed cadets, faculty and staff following the incident in a powerful speech that went viral.
“That kind of behavior has no place at the Prep School, has no place at USAFA (US Air Force Academy) and it has no place in the United States Air Force,” Silveria said.
“If you can’t treat someone from another gender, whether that’s a man or a woman, with dignity and respect, then you need to get out,” he said. “If you can’t treat someone from another race or different color skin with dignity and respect, then you need to get out.”
“The individual found responsible is no longer at the Preparatory School,” Herritage confirmed.