The motivation behind an Annapolis City Council resolution that would support a former Naval Academy midshipmen in his efforts to graduate is not black and white, according to one city alderman ? it?s just black.
Alderman David Cordle, R-Ward 5, told The Examiner that a resolution sponsored by Alderwoman Classie Hoyle, D-Ward 3, that supports former Midshipman Lamar Owens being allowed to graduate is based on the fact both Owens and Hoyle are black.
Owens was dismissed from the Naval Academy after being convicted of conduct unbecoming an officer in connection with allegations of rape ? charges he was acquitted of ? in July.
“She feels there has been a racial injustice,” said Cordle, a retired lieutenant colonel with the U.S. Army Reserves. He disagreed with Hoyle, saying, “When I look at a person, I see just one color.”
Cordle said Hoyle has a history of sponsoring similar resolutions that came to the aid of African-Americans, but not whites.
Cordle referred to the case of Frank Shannon, a former midshipman who was prevented from graduating in 2006 after failing to complete a mile and a half run in the required time. Shannon?s family recently asked the Annapolis City Council for support, but Hoyle did nothing.
Hoyle denied that race has anything to do with the Owens resolution or previous ones. “I?m basing my request on education,” she said, adding that Owens earned his degree, and his education should not be wasted.
As to Shannon?s case, Hoyle said she felt for Shannon, but he failed a physical requirement of the academy, where Owens had not. “I have no knowledge of the physical requirements,” Hoyle said.
“I don?t support a resolution for either [Owens or Shannon],” Cordle said, adding the city has no business involving itself in military practices.
“I object to the race card being played on either side,” said Alderman Samuel Shropshire, D-Ward 7. “This has nothing to do with race.”
The City Council will vote on the Owens resolution on April 9.
