SUOZZI, GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON THE U.S. MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY

Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island, Queens) and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement after a female US Merchant Marine Academy cadet said she was sexually assaulted during her Sea Year training:

“The recent allegation regarding the sexual assault of a female cadet during Sea Year is deeply disturbing and demands an immediate investigation. Aspiring cadets at the US Merchant Marine Academy should be able to focus on getting the valuable hands-on skills and training that Sea Year provides them, without fear of sexual harassment, assault, and violence.

In 2017, we worked relentlessly to ensure that major provisions of the Merchant Marine Academy Improvement Act were signed into law – legislation that provided additional resources to make Sea Year safer, address sexual assault, and ensure that Academy staff have appropriate training and resources to respond to and prevent sexual assault on campus and at sea.

We must ensure that incidents of sexual harassment and assault are reported and prioritized and that every single cadet feels safe whether on campus or at sea. We will continue to work closely with the Merchant Marine Academy to put systems in place to ensure timely and thorough reporting.”