Abuse of Citadel Female Cadets

Re “Citadel Cadet’s Father Says Women Have Suffered Abuse,” Dec. 15:

Whereas I have always been in favor of military institutions admitting women, it hasn’t been a fervently held opinion. I think some arguments for single-gender education have merit.

In the wake of female freshmen at the Citadel being variously struck, pinned with a rifle butt and set on fire, however, I say we owe a debt of gratitude to these courageous women for exposing such dark and dangerous behavior. I imagine if no women were ever admitted, these contemptible and/or disturbed young men (who are far outnumbered by their honorable peers, I’m sure) could conceivably graduate from the school with honors and become officers in the armed services.

Do we need such lowlifes serving and representing our country?

BONNIE BURROUGHS PIERONE

Los Angeles

* I’m extremely concerned about the safety of the four young women currently attending the Citadel. We all know that the program at this institution is tough, but I doubt that being bludgeoned with rifle butts or being set on fire is part of routine military training.

The court has ruled that women have a right to attend the Citadel. If the safety of these four women cannot be guaranteed, then this institution should be shut down.

TRECY CARPENTER

Ojai