OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 7:00 PM PT — Thursday, June 18, 2020
Defense Secretary Mark Esper has announced an internal review on race in the military. On Thursday, Esper confirmed he will be creating two boards to study diversity and inclusion.
“What defines us as Americans? Not our race or religion. Our values and beliefs that bind us as a people, chief among them: we are all created equal. Every member of the Department of Defense pledges to defend those values with our lives.” – Mark Esper, Secretary of Defense.
He is also expected to hear recommendations on racial justice policies in the next two weeks.
Bias & prejudice have no place in our military, or in our country. Prejudices – whether visible or invisible, conscious or unconscious—remain a burden to many. They hold back the diversity of the force, representation in our officer ranks, and experiences of our minority members. pic.twitter.com/uhScevfv9y
— @EsperDoD (@EsperDoD) June 18, 2020
This comes after nationwide calls for reform following the death of George Floyd. According to the secretary, this is just the beginning of the many steps the military will take towards reform.
“Over the next few months, I will be working across the department to identify additional ways to foster lasting change,” he said. “From recruiting, career track selection and retention; to assignments, schools and promotions; to military justice and everything in between and beyond.”
Esper concluded his remarks by encouraging service members to “reflect upon the issues of race, bias and inequality.”
The United States military has long embraced diversity and inclusion as a strength. We must lead again. In that spirit, I invite all of you to share with me your good ideas. I want to hear from you.
— @EsperDoD (@EsperDoD) June 18, 2020
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