CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Latest on The Citadel disciplining 14 cadets after photographs surfaced on social media of seven freshmen with pillowcases similar to KKK garb on their heads (all times local):
3:15 p.m.
Citadel president retired Gen. John Rosa says he is setting up a task force to study and make recommendations about the campus climate for minority students, enhancing the curriculum to promote greater understanding of people from various backgrounds and to increase diversity among students and staff. The panel is an outgrowth of the disciplining of 14 cadets after seven were photographed with pillowcases resembling KKK garb on their heads.
Rosa told reporters Monday the panel will include members of civil rights groups and the local community.
The National Action Network is calling for, among other things, a mandatory class about the history of The Citadel, free scholarships for five minority students and more Citadel involvement with local schools attended by low-income students.
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11 a.m.
A total of 14 cadets have been dismissed, suspended or are receiving on-campus punishment at The Citadel military college in South Carolina after a group appeared in photos with pillowcases on their heads similar to Ku Klux Klan garb.
College President retired Air Force Lt. Gen. John Rosa announced the decision Monday.
Photos of seven freshmen cadets dressed in white pants and shirts while wearing pillowcases on their heads surfaced on social media last month.
The investigation determined that the freshmen were ordered by upperclassmen to sing Christmas carols dressed in costumes. The photos in question involved a "Ghosts of Christmas Past" skit.
Rosa says that the incident showed poor judgment and that the college will increase diversity training for cadets.
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