A philosophy professor at West Point, Graham Parsons, announced his resignation on Thursday after 13 years at the institution. His decision comes amid criticisms regarding changes in the academy’s educational approach, which he attributes in part to the Trump administration. Defense Secretary Pete Hegses responded online, stating, “We don’t miss Professor Parsons.”
Parsons indicated that the evolving academic landscape was a key factor in his departure. In a statement, he expressed, “After this semester, I will step down from my tenure position. I can’t tolerate these changes. It’s preventing me from working responsibly, and I feel ashamed to be associated with the academy as it currently stands.”
He lamented that the U.S. Military Academy has strayed from its foundational principles. Once focused on providing a broad and critical education for future officers, the school has reportedly made significant curriculum changes—eliminating courses and censoring debates to align with the political climate of the Trump era.
Parsons pointed to recent executive orders from Trump and Hegses, including directives that restrict educators’ ability to teach in military institutions, as contributing factors to his decision. Following his resignation, his bio was removed from the West Point website.
