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Obama condemns sexual assault in Naval Academy speech

President Obama condemned the ongoing military sexual assault crisis in his commencement address at the United States Naval Academy.
/ Source: Melissa Harris Perry

President Obama condemned the ongoing military sexual assault crisis in his commencement address at the United States Naval Academy.

In his commencement speech at the United States Naval Academy, President Obama encouraged graduates to join efforts to fight sexual assault.

“Those who commit sexual assault are not only committing a crime, they threaten the trust and discipline that makes our military strong,” he said. “That’s why we have to be determined to stop these crimes.”

A string of sexual assault allegations against officers around the country and a recent Defense Department report that detailed rampant assault and harassment have forced Obama, military leaders, and legislators into action. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel will deliver the commencement address at West Point Military Academy on Saturday. A staff member there has been accused of secretly videotaping female cadets while in the shower.