I'm learning first-hand recently what perception really means. When I heard about the USMA scandal, I said, "Boot them all out." It was easy because I didn't know anybody involved. I'm a civilian and I have never cheated. It is something I can't even comprehend.I’m confused about the root cause being inadequate proctoring And the resulting actions are to increase proctoring. The whole purpose of the honor concept is that proctoring is not required because you’re . . . On your honor . . . Not to cheat. This tells me that USNA has given up on the honor concept, or at least given up on the idea that mids Can be trusted to be honorable. To me that makes it a sad day.
In this case, I personally know three Mids involved. And they are all great people. Well, two of them are... My son was first angry at them, then felt sick about it, and then supported them in every way possible. I happened to meet up with the two likeable ones right after the semester for dinner. Knowing them well enough, I asked, "What the hell were you guys thinking?" Both said they panicked. They love USNA and were terrified of not passing. My son was always their tutor (and also tutor for about 20 others...). It just wasn't the same for them learning remotely. Even my son's help wasn't the same via Facetime. The ironic part is that they would have passed without the cheating. They doubted themselves for no reason.
Knowing the faces made me root for them. They were contrite. They know they deserve any consequences, and are beyond thankful they are still Mids.
I do not condone at all what happened. I'm just thankful these boys wll not be defined by this scandal. I hope this whole incident will remind everyone the importance of honor.