West Point, NY – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced today she has been appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point Board of Visitors by Senator Carl Levin, the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Gillibrand is attending the board’s first meeting of the year today at West Point. Topics on the agenda to be discussed include cadet barracks, Sexual Harassment and Assault Response Program (SHARP), Cadets Against Sexual Harassment and Assault (CASH/A), admissions, and academics.
“West Point is home to America’s most distinguished military tradition, where America’s best, brightest and bravest become strong leaders,” Senator Gillibrand said. “I am truly honored to have this privilege to work to strengthen West Point, and ensure every cadet is valued and respected by their superiors and peers while receiving the academy’s renowned training. It is my hope that West Point can lead the way in equality and opportunity for every brave man and woman to achieve their full potential, and strengthen our country both morally and militarily.”
Created in 1972, the West Point Board of Visitors is a central governing body of the academy. It oversees all aspects of the institution, including the curriculum, morale, discipline, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and any additional matters the Board of Visitors deems appropriate.
The Board of Visitors is composed of four Senators, five members of the House of Representatives and six presidential appointees. Senator Gillibrand will be filling the only seat allotted for the Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate or his designee.
Senator Gillibrand will use her position on the Board of Visitors to encourage the complete elimination of gender discrimination and sexual assault in the U.S. military. While women have attended military academies like West Point for more than 40 years, with combat integration the numbers are expected to rise significantly.