ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A cadet quitting West Point less than six months before graduation says he could no longer be part of a culture that promotes prayers and religious activities and disrespects nonreligious cadets.
Blake Page announced his decision to quit the U.S. Military Academy this week in an essay.
The 24-year-old cadet says a determination earlier this semester that he could not become an officer due to clinical depression played a role in his public protest. He says he sees religion playing an unconstitutional role in the military.
West Point officials on Wednesday disputed those assertions.
Page, who is from Stockbridge, Ga., said he was notified Tuesday of his honorable discharge. He faces no military commitment and will not have to reimburse the cost of his education.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:12 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:12:52 GMT
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion...
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion proposal...
The body of one of three New Yorkers killed in an attack in Afghanistan is scheduled to arrive in his upstate hometown while the funeral of a second victim is being held in the Hudson Valley.
The body of one of three New Yorkers killed in an attack in Afghanistan has arrived in his upstate hometown as the funeral of a second victim was being held in the Hudson Valley.
Monday, June 17 2013 12:03 PM EDT2013-06-17 16:03:27 GMT
Authorities say they still haven't determined what caused six U.S. border agents to require decontamination and medical attention after inspecting a vehicle at a crossing in northern New York.
Authorities say they still haven't determined what caused six U.S. border agents to require decontamination and medical attention after inspecting a vehicle at a crossing in northern New York.
Sunday, June 16 2013 5:39 PM EDT2013-06-16 21:39:47 GMT
Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) is asking New York colleges and universities to place tougher standards that would make it hard for students to abuse stimulants like Adderall. Schumer during a Sunday afternoon press conference said between 15 and 35 percent of college students frequently use Adderall to stay up to study. He said students shouldn’t be able to get amphetamine-based drugs like Adderall without a legitimate diagnosis and prescription.
Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) is asking New York colleges and universities to place tougher standards that would make it hard for students to abuse stimulants like Adderall. Schumer during a Sunday afternoon press conference said between 15 and 35 percent of college students frequently use Adderall to stay up to study. He said students shouldn’t be able to get amphetamine-based drugs like Adderall without a legitimate diagnosis and prescription.
Saturday, June 15 2013 7:36 PM EDT2013-06-15 23:36:20 GMT
Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo was honored with a portrait that was unveiled inside the Hall of Governors in the state capital in Albany on Saturday. Current governor and son Andrew Cuomo was there as well. "A year ago we presented Governor Mario Cuomo with his official gubernatorial portrait.
Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo was honored with a portrait that was unveiled inside the Hall of Governors in the state capital in Albany on Saturday. Current governor and son Andrew Cuomo was there as well. "A year ago we presented Governor Mario Cuomo with his official gubernatorial portrait.
