As a USNA graduate and former Honor Board member, I am appalled by the unofficial acceptance of Rat Riots. The first responsibility of every ship’s captain is morale. A Rat Riot represents nothing less than a mutiny. A Rat Riot also indicates a leadership failure from top to bottom. I was there for Parents’ Weekend and at the football game I overheard several upperclassmen openly promoting the impending riot. Additionally, some of the comments in this forum glossing over last week’s riot are part of the problem. No one will stand up and recognize that a Rat Riot really indicates a total breakdown in discipline. Ironically, if a rat riot is supposed to stimulate class unity, then why are the rat leaders being singled out for severe punishment? This hypocrisy in so-called leadership is an exceptionally poor example of CYA.
FYI I have never heard of this sort of out-of-control behavior at either USNA or USAFA where I was an exchange student. No, it is not the norm at other colleges.
USNA Alum: I hear you. Take a look at the "rat riot" thread where the following was posted:
"Parents Council—
Some of you have heard from concerned parents regarding Sunday night’s “Rat riot” event. Here is some information for your use and dissemination.
On Sunday evening at approximately 11:15 PM the Rats were being escorted by cadre to Cocke Hall for an authorized, scheduled 12 minute sweat party. The Third Class was absent from barracks and in Cocke Hall. As they were leaving the fourth stoop, one company of Rats “broke free” and started going to the rooms on the third stoop. This quickly progressed throughout barracks and then we had Rats entering Third Class rooms, whereupon they began throwing hays and other items into the courtyards. When this happened, cadre reacted to quell it and First Classmen went up to the third stoop to assist. During the course of getting them out of the Third Class rooms, off the third stoop, and back up to their rooms, there were some injuries—fortunately not severe.
This event is completely unacceptable. Within the Corps, the First Class leadership launched an investigation which uncovered several Rats who had planned and instigated this. Those cases are being handled by the General Committee system, and already some punishments have been handed down for those responsible. It is clear from Facebook entries who the instigators were. We will also deal accordingly if we discover any upper class cadets involved in instigating this incident.
The Commandant’s staff and the Inspector General (Col Grace) are also investigating. In particular, the IG is investigating an incident leading to one of the injuries. Any upper class cadet found responsible for misconduct leading to an injury will be dealt with swiftly. That investigation is nearing conclusion. On Wednesday, 19 October the Commandant addressed this with the Rat Class in JM Hall. He has also spoken to the First Class leadership at length about this.
“Rat Riots” are something that started a few years ago. This isn’t a long time tradition like Break-out or anything of the sort. Within the Corps, it has been viewed as somewhat of a “tradition” that helps Rats bond into a class. It is not approved, authorized, encouraged, or sanctioned at all by VMI or its leadership. In most prior occasions, the Rats would “run amok” for a bit and then go back to their rooms. This year, it turned somewhat combative and some injuries occurred during the ensuing melee, which we will not accept. Fortunately, this “tradition” only occurs once a year.
This is an issue of concern that we take very seriously for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the safety of cadets. We will work with the three classes and their leadership later this year in preparation for next year, and then work this in detail with next year’s Rats and the returning Old Corps.
We are also well aware that Rats are asked by many “When are you going to have your Rat Riot?” We know that some of those asking include parents, alumni, and cadets. We will address this as well in the summer newsletter to get parents to assist in squeezing out this “tradition.”
If you have any questions, please contact either the Chief of Staff or Inspector General. If any particular parents wish to speak to them or email them, they may do so directly. I’ll conclude by saying we are all disappointed in this event. It is not what VMI stands for, nor will we tolerate it.Thank you for assisting on this matter.
From the Chief of Staff
William R. Grace Colonel USMC (Ret)
VMI Inspector General and Title IX Coordinator
Parents Council Liaison
Duty Phone 540 464-7072
Fax 540 464-7056"