So this is happening.
The U.S. Army has OK’d the use of the word “Negro” to describe black or African-American personnel, according to a newly published regulation obtained by CNN.
The Army confirmed the language is contained in the October 22 “Army Command Policy,” known as regulation AR 600-20. The regulation is periodically updated but the Army could not say how recently the word was added to the document.
In a lengthy section of the document describing “race and ethnic code definitions,” the regulation states under the category “Black or African American” that would include, “A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. Terms such as “Haitian” or “Negro” can be used in addition to “Black” or “African American”.
An Army official familiar with the regulation told CNN it’s possible the word was added so black or African-American service members could “self-report” and choose to identify themselves as a Negro. But not all agree with the change. A military officer specializing in personnel issues for the Defense Department called the use of the word “the dumbest thing I have ever heard.”
We have to agree.
The same official said the Pentagon does not use the word in any of its collection of demographic data.
Lt. Col. S. Justin Platt, an Army spokesman, said the use of the word comes from an outdated section.
“The racial definitions in AR600-20 para. 6-2 are outdated, currently under review, and will be updated shortly,” he said. “The Army takes pride in sustaining a culture where all personnel are treated with dignity and respect and not discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender and national origin.”
Someone remind the Army it’s 2014. Please and thank you.
SOURCE: CNN | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
