An event hosted by a retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general sparked discussions on systemic racism, critical race theory (CRT), and white privilege, drawing varied responses and raising questions about the role of such ideologies in the military.

In August 2021, as part of the "Crucial Convos" series, a controversial panel discussion on CRT was led by Brigadier General Greg Brundidge, despite lacking official military endorsement, as the Daily Wire reports.

This event, titled "Critical Race Theory. What is it?" aimed to provide a broader understanding of CRT and featured statements by academics and former military personnel critiquing systemic issues related to race in the United States.

Panelist Contributions to the Discussion

The panel was described by Brigadier General Terrence Adams as a grassroots initiative meant to engage in meaningful conversations on pertinent issues, rather than a sanctioned military event.

Despite its unofficial status, several Air Force bases supported the series by promoting it on their websites, highlighting the interest and engagement it generated.

Speakers on the panel shared strong views on the perceived prevalence of systemic racism and white privilege in American society. One of the participants, Dr. Jay Wamsted, an educator from Georgia, expressed concerns over public schools being inherently biased, referring to it as a “white middle class problem.”

He went on to acknowledge his own occasional participation in racist and misogynist behavior due to being raised in a predominantly white, patriarchal setting.

Wamsted offered suggestions for those hoping to make a positive difference, such as supporting Black-owned businesses and engaging with literature like Carol Anderson’s White Rage. This work addresses the concept of “white rage” being triggered by advancements in Black communities.

Questioning Racial Constructs and Historical Context

The panel also featured insights from Tammy Hodo, a consultant specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), who argued that the concept of race is a societal construct crafted to benefit certain groups, particularly white people.

She reiterated the idea that although European Americans today did not personally own slaves, the societal structure still accords them advantages due to the legacy of white privilege.

Brundidge, serving as the panel moderator, underscored the idea that racism is deeply embedded in the nation's fabric, making it unrealistic to expect an overnight solution to such ingrained issues.

This statement reinforces the complexity of addressing racial inequalities in societal structures, including military institutions.

CRT and DEI in the Broader Military Context

The event unfolded against a backdrop of the Biden administration's efforts to incorporate CRT and DEI policies into the military and national security sectors.

The Department of Defense has allocated substantial funds, amounting to $269 million, towards DEI initiatives over a span of three years. Such measures are part of a larger strategy to adapt national security practices to be more inclusive.

Programs like the DEI career pipeline at the University of Missouri -- Kansas City exemplify these efforts, although they have faced challenges and adaptations following judicial rulings on affirmative action.

In parallel, intelligence agencies, including the NSA and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, have adopted DEI policies, illustrating a comprehensive and far-reaching approach to inclusivity.

Future Implications for Military DEI Policies

Some individuals may question the direction and implications of these policies in military settings. Pete Hegseth, if brought into the role of Defense secretary, has expressed potential plans to dismantle DEI agendas within the military, marking a prospective shift in policy and focus.

These ongoing discussions underline the complexities of integrating and reconciling critical race theory and DEI initiatives within national defense structures. The reactions to such engagements are varied and provoke further debate, reflecting differing views on the incorporation of such ideologies at institutional levels.