Nationwide — US Military Lieutenant Normal Telita Crosland, a high-ranking Black feminine officer and head of the navy’s well being company, was compelled to retire after 32 years of service. Her elimination follows a collection of management modifications after President Trump’s latest shake-up throughout the navy.
Crosland’s retirement was formally introduced on February twenty eighth. Performing Assistant Secretary of Protection for Well being Affairs Stephen Ferrara stated in a press release, “I wish to thank Crosland for her dedication to the nation, to the navy well being system, and to Military medication for the previous 32 years.”
Nonetheless, two nameless sources revealed she was ordered to step down with out an evidence, in accordance with Reuters. The Pentagon declined to touch upon the matter, directing inquiries to the Protection Well being Company, which didn’t reply.
The transfer comes amid ongoing efforts by Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth to remove variety, fairness, and inclusion packages throughout the navy. Hegseth has known as DEI packages divisive and has additionally ended military recruitment at a prestigious Black Engineer Awards event, together with military participation in Black History Month activities.
In the meantime, regardless of being one of many Military’s highest-ranking Black feminine officers, Crosland has beforehand acknowledged that she doesn’t outline her work by race or gender.
“I don’t truly body something I do day-in and day-out within the phrases of my race or my gender. That’s all the time been a tough query for me to reply,” she stated in an article on the company’s web site final yr. “It’s not as a result of I don’t perceive the accountability … actually, there are challenges that come from being a girl within the navy, there are challenges that come from being African American, and being within the navy.”
