Op-Ed: The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy remains a backward-looking institution that struggles to make itself relevant in the twenty-first century.

* This opinion piece was submitted to MLAA by the author, a member of the Kings Point Community *

Last week a letter signed by a number of current USMMA midshipman opposing the current “Sea Year pause” circulated around the Kings Point campus and throughout the maritime industry. In contrast to the opinions of midshipmen at USMMA who wrote and signed that letter, I have to state that the USMMA is a troubled institution that faces many challenges in the twenty-first century.

As someone in a position to know, I can say there is indeed a toxic culture at USMMA. To be sure, it has improved, but one need not work very hard to establish prevalent attitudes of racism, sexism, and homophobia in the student body. Furthermore, unenlightened attitudes regarding equity and inclusion prevail even in the faculty. Midshipman X’s letter of September 27 has established that the Academy has not addressed SASH issues adequately. It is disappointing that midshipmen have subordinated the health and well-being of their peers to their career goals. In this regard, they mirror the troubling trend in the maritime industry and even at the state maritime academies to sweep SASH allegations under the rug.

USMMA remains a backward-looking institution that struggles to make itself relevant in the twenty-first century. Repeated reports have pointed out its shortcomings, including crumbling infrastructure, alarming accreditation reports that point to curricular deficiencies, and a steady flow of IG reports indicating poor management practices. A simple statistic underscores these troubles: In the last twenty years, all five Superintendents have left involuntarily, including Admiral Buono, if I read the Congressional letter of October 29 correctly.

The problem may be in the structure of the institution. Retired military officers or industry leaders simply do not possess the skill sets to administer an institution of higher learning. Admiral Buono wears his uniform well, and he certainly cares for the institution and its midshipmen. However, as Midshipman X revealed, Buono’s values are those of the last millenia.

In sum, Sea Year and SASH is not the only problem at Kings Point. The institution is crying for reform, which can only come from Congress due to its status as a federal academy. In many ways, USMMA is an admirable institution, and my sincere hope is that Congress can correct its several shortcomings to secure its future in the twenty-first century.

—Call Me “Ishmael”