A platoon of soldiers in Alaska is accused of taking part in “Racial Thursdays.” Soldiers were encouraged to use racial slurs in communicating with one another, a member of the unit has alleged.(Photo: Staff)
The Army is investigating allegations that a platoon of soldiers was given a free pass to use racial slurs against each other during what was known as “Racial Thursdays.”
The soldiers belong to 2nd Platoon, C Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, according to a member of the unit who spoke to Army Times. The battalion belongs to the 25th Infantry Division’s 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
“When I first got to my unit, someone said we should do ‘Racial Thursdays’ because it’s been a tradition,” said the soldier, who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s something they made up where you can say any racist remark you want without any consequences. The platoon sergeant said no, but the shit is still going on.”
The soldier, a staff sergeant, added: “It’s degrading to the soldiers. We’ve had soldiers almost fight over the crap that’s going on here.”
U.S. Army Alaska initiated a commander’s inquiry into the allegations late last week, said Lt. Col. Alan Brown, a spokesman for the command.
“An informal complaint was made through command channels, and the commander has already assigned an investigating officer and the investigation is ongoing,” Brown said Wednesday. “The command is extremely sensitive to any allegations that involve equal opportunity or discrimination and will investigate every allegation.”
Via armytimes.com
image credit APEonline
