So, what are you supposed to do when members of a Division of Corrections class of trainees give the Nazi salute?
You clean house, that’s what.
Last week, the now infamous photo emerged of a corrections training class at the Glenville academy showing most of the men and women with arms raised in what is easily recognizable at the Nazi salute.
This was no personal snapshot, but rather an official-looking photo that included the Seal of the State of West Virginia and the caption, “West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Basic Training Class #18.” At the top of the picture it read, “Hail Byrd!”
Byrd is believed to be the last name of a class instructor. Reportedly, at the beginning of the training period, one of the cadets greeted Byrd with a Nazi salute and “sieg heil.” Apparently, it was supposed to be a joke, but it became a common practice at the beginning of class with other cadets joining in.
The Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety (DMAPS) moved quickly when it learned of the practice, interviewing 51 people in just three days. The state immediately fired two correctional academy trainers and one cadet but did not release their names.
Governor Jim Justice and DMAPS Secretary Jeff Sandy are both horrified over the incident. Justice called the actions shameful, intolerable and unacceptable. Sandy agreed, adding that a full investigation is underway.
“We are committed to a full and complete investigation that we will present to Governor Justice and to the public once it is finished,” Sandy said. “As terrible as this incident has been, it is critically important that we go by the book to arrive at the whole truth of what occurred and why.”
There are so many things wrong with what the cadets did and what the trainers allowed to happen.
First, the salute is one of the most recognizable symbols of Nazism and white supremacy. The fact that “trainers,” who by the way are supposed to train the cadets on how to identify white supremacy groups is prison, would allow this to take place without, at the very least, using it as a teachable moment, is unfathomable.
Second, these cadets are wearing uniforms of the state and about to head into our prisons as corrections officers. If this photo emerged after they were on the job, any inmate with a grievance who is not white or Christian would have a built-in piece of evidence to back up their claim.
Third, this is extremely embarrassing for the State of West Virginia and all our citizens. We already battle negative stereotypes and this photo only reinforces those views.
Fourth, the condemnations and investigation are not because of political correctness. I’m guessing the cadets are not racists or neo-Nazis, but the actions of those who participated, the trainers and anyone else who knew about this and did nothing are just plain stupid.
Can people be fired for doing stupid stuff? You bet they can.