In yet another unsettling chapter of the ongoing hazing controversy at The Citadel, one of America’s most renowned military colleges, a second cadet has been suspended. Meanwhile, two female cadets have made the difficult decision to move off campus following experiences of harassment and intimidation.
The scandal highlights once again the urgent need for feminism, equality, women support, and active change within traditionally male-dominated institutions.
This isn’t just a story about rule-breaking.
It’s a reflection of deeper systemic issues — and an opportunity for real, lasting transformation.
The Citadel and Its Complicated Legacy
The Citadel, based in Charleston, South Carolina, is known for its rigorous military training and proud history. However, its record on gender integration remains deeply fraught.
Women were only officially admitted to the Corps of Cadets in 1996, after legal battles and enormous national pressure. Since then, female cadets have faced a challenging environment, often battling not only academic and physical demands but also cultural resistance.
This latest hazing scandal is not an isolated incident. It reflects an institutional culture where old biases continue to thrive beneath the surface, despite decades of progress.
What Happened: A Timeline of the Latest Events
Initial Reports: Allegations surfaced that several cadets, including female students, were subjected to hazing rituals involving verbal abuse, physical intimidation, and psychological manipulation.
Suspensions: Following an internal investigation, one cadet was suspended, and now a second cadet faces the same consequence.
Female Cadets Moving Off Campus: Two female cadets, citing persistent harassment and lack of adequate protection, have chosen to leave on-campus housing for their safety and well-being.
Their decision is both heartbreaking and telling — a vivid reminder that equality on paper doesn’t always translate into equality in experience.
Feminism and the Military Space: Why It Matters
The military world has historically been perceived as the domain of men: strong, resilient, “tough enough” to endure harshness.
But feminism challenges these outdated norms. It asserts that women, too, have the right to belong, not by mimicking outdated forms of cruelty, but by reshaping the culture itself.
Feminism in military academies means:
Demanding equal treatment and respect for women.
Dismantling toxic traditions that perpetuate harm, exclusion, and silence.
Building support systems where strength is not defined by one’s ability to endure abuse, but by resilience, skill, and leadership.
In environments like The Citadel, embracing feminism is not a threat to tradition — it’s a necessary evolution for the future.
Women Supporting Women: The Power of Solidarity
One of the most powerful outcomes of this scandal has been the visible wave of support from female alumni, advocacy groups, and fellow students.
Across social media and campus events:
Former cadets have shared their own stories, offering solidarity and validation.
Student groups have organized forums to discuss hazing, gender equity, and safer campus practices.
National organizations like the Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) have called for external investigations and policy reforms.
This support matters.
When women stand together — when they refuse to let each other endure abuse alone — they create a force too powerful to ignore.
Equality Is Not Optional: Institutions Must Adapt
It is not enough for institutions like The Citadel to tolerate female cadets.
They must actively ensure their safety, dignity, and right to thrive.
Real equality demands:
Zero-tolerance policies for harassment and hazing.
Robust reporting systems that protect whistleblowers from retaliation.
Leadership training that emphasizes respect, inclusivity, and ethical command.
Cultural education that deconstructs harmful myths about gender and power.
If institutions claim to mold “future leaders,” then it’s their duty to teach that true leadership starts with protecting and uplifting others, not tearing them down.
Active Change: Moving Beyond Outrage
Public outrage is important — it draws attention and pressure.
But real change comes through action.
What active steps are being called for?
Independent Investigations: External bodies must examine systemic issues without bias.
Policy Overhauls: Updating the cadet code of conduct to specifically address gender-based harassment.
Transparency: Regular reporting on disciplinary actions, incidents, and prevention efforts.
Empowerment Programs: Creating mentorship networks and leadership programs specifically for women and marginalized cadets.
Change won’t happen passively. It requires vigilance, commitment, and courage — the very qualities these young women are already demonstrating.
A Final Thought: This Moment Can Be a Turning Point
This scandal, while deeply troubling, also presents an opportunity:
An opportunity for The Citadel — and institutions like it — to redefine strength.
Strength is not hazing.
Strength is not perpetuating outdated notions of superiority.
True strength is embracing equality, fostering respect, and ensuring that every cadet — regardless of gender — can reach their full potential.
The bravery of the two female cadets who chose to protect themselves rather than endure silent suffering is a call to all of us:
Support women. Challenge injustice. Demand better. And never, ever settle for less.
If you want to support women in military spaces, consider donating to organizations like SWAN or participating in advocacy campaigns pushing for safer, more inclusive academies.
Together, we can turn outrage into active change — and honor the strength, resilience, and leadership of women everywhere. 🌟
