Congressman Gonzalez Praises United States Airforce Academy Superintendent for Condemnation of Racist Incident

WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) sent a letter to United States Airforce Academy Superintendent, Lieutenant General Jay B. Silveria, to commend his response regarding an incident involving racial slurs found on message boards at the Academy's preparatory school.

"Our country needs more leaders like Lieutenant General Jay B. Silveria," Congressman Gonzalez said. "At a time when many have remained silent in the face of racism, Lieutenant General Silveria was unafraid to confront and condemn it. With more leaders like him, who uphold basic values of dignity and respect, we can unite this country."

Read the full letter below to Lieutenant General Silveria:

September 29, 2017

Lieutenant General Jay B. Silveria

Superintendent

2304 Cadet Dr. Suite 3300

United States Air Force Academy

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80840

Dear Lieutenant General Silveria:

I write to commend you on your response to the incident involving racial slurs found on message boards at the Academy's preparatory school. Your message was powerful and prescient and your ability to face this situation head-on is much needed at this time in our nation's history. Your reaction to this incident demonstrates true leadership. Our country is in dire need of more leaders like you, leaders who are unafraid to confront and condemn racism and disrespect for our fellow man.

Racism and disrespect have no place in our homes, our schools, our offices, our government, or our military. It is up to us to stand up to those who exhibit these tendencies and teach the next generation that our diversity is our greatest strength and that intolerance is our greatest weakness. I believe you said it best when you stated "the power of that diversity comes together and makes us that much more powerful. That's a much better idea than small thinking and horrible ideas."

Once again, I congratulate and thank you for your response to this incident and for your courage and strong convictions. We are forever indebted to you for your service to our country, your dedication to educating our children, and your commitment to upholding the universal values of dignity and respect.

Sincerely,

Vicente Gonzalez

Member of Congress