Graham Parsons, a Philosophy Professor at West Point, has resigned after 13 years at the academy, citing significant changes to the institution’s educational approach, largely influenced by the Trump administration. This shift drew immediate comments from Defense Secretary Pete Hegses, who stated on social media, “We don’t miss Professor Parsons.”
Parsons announced his decision on Thursday, expressing his discomfort with the academy’s evolving principles. He noted, “I cannot tolerate these changes. This prevents me from working responsibly. I am ashamed to be associated with the academy in its current form.” He criticized the academy for abandoning its core mission of providing a nonpartisan, critical education for its cadets, claiming that courses were eliminated and debates censored to align more closely with the administration’s vision.
He linked these changes to recent executive orders from President Trump and directives that restrict teachers from providing certain types of education in military institutions. According to Parsons, this represents a fundamental attack on the curriculum and the integrity of educational research at the academy.
After his departure, his webpage was removed from the West Point website, symbolizing a swift, albeit contentious, transition for the institution.
