FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 27, 2007
NBJC Fiercely Condemns Actions of Army Recruiter
WASHINGTON, DC --Words cannot fully express the shock, disgust, and anger that has risen within the Black LGBT community over the recent actions of Army recruiter, Sergeant Marcia Ramode.
Back in February, Sgt. Ramode responded to an online resume post of Jersey City, NJ resident Corey Andrew. After revealing that he was openly gay Sgt. Ramode responded with the following email rant.
"GO BACK TO AFRICA AND DO YOUR GAY VOODOO LIMBO TANGO AND WANGO DANCE AND JUMP AROUND AND PRANCE AND RUN ALL OVER THE PLACE HALF NAKED THERE. ... THAT'S WHERE YOU BELONG"
In addition, Sgt. Ramode stated that being gay made him unqualified, and that it was "disgusting and immoral."
The National Black Justice Coalition denounces the actions taken by Sr. Ramode and strongly urges that Ramode be promptly relieved of duties for violating the Department of Defense's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in which recruiters are barred from asking applicants about their sexual orientation.
"Sgt. Ramode's comments demonstrate her callous disregard for the dignity and humanity of Corey Andrew. It is no small leap to assume that her words reveal her narrow-minded and un-American view of all Black and gay Americans as well. Those sworn to protect our nation should not tolerate such venal attacks on our fellow Americans. Ms. Ramode should be immediately dismissed and the Army should examine the role that the Army's culture has played in tolerating such views within its ranks" stated H. Alexander Robinson, NBJC Executive Director/CEO.
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The National Black Justice Coalition is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black same-gender-loving, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people. www.nbjc.org
