U.S. Rep. Keith Self Proudly Serving Texa's 3rd District | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Keith Self has expressed his disapproval of the U.S. Naval Academy's decision to invite New York University Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat to deliver the annual Bancroft Lecture. Congressman Self sent a letter to U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Yvette M. Davids, criticizing the invitation due to Professor Ben-Ghiat's intention to use her speech as a platform against presidential candidate Donald Trump.
"The Bancroft Lecture has long been a symbol of prestigious historical analysis at the United States Naval Academy, honoring its founder, George Bancroft, and celebrating historical analysis. Turning this respected tradition into a soapbox for leveling attacks on a candidate less than two months from election day would destroy the foundation of this historic lecture," stated Congressman Self.
He pointed out Department of Defense Directive No. 1344.10, which prohibits military members, including those at service academies, from participating in partisan political activities. According to Congressman Self, by inviting Professor Ben-Ghiat, the Naval Academy is endorsing a partisan agenda and violating this directive.
In his letter, he urged Superintendent Davids to adhere to the DoD Directive by retracting the invitation extended to Professor Ben-Ghiat. He emphasized that it is crucial for the academy to maintain its role as an institution focused on nonpartisan and professional education for future military leaders.
The full text of Congressman Self's letter is available online.
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