Andy Kim: “I want to respond to what was just said. It is absolutely important that we set straight that diversity does not mean we…”

“I want to respond to what was just said. It is absolutely important that we set straight that diversity does not mean we are talking about people who are less qualified. We are not talking about reducing standards. We are talking about recognizing one part of the decision as one part of many. This is not a situation where it is the overriding factor. I agree with what Chairman Banks said, which is that we want the best and brightest, but what we recognize when it comes to our service academies, in particular, is that this is a situation where we are trying to also build a force. This is not just about an individual. Yes, we want the best and brightest, but we also want the most cohesive and effective fighting force for our country. We recognize we are building an entity where our servicemembers are part of something bigger than all of them. The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentleman has expired.”