Marines remove general from command after racial slur investigation
The U.S. Marine Corps has removed a general from command after an investigation into the general allegedly using a racial slur.
Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary, a two-star general in charge of forces in Europe and Africa, allegedly used the n-word during a training exercise. A lance corporal who was present at time of the incident told Stars and Stripes that while Marines were doing physical exercises and loud rap music was playing, Neary asked the Marines how they would feel if he said the slur.
The lance corporal, who did not want to give his name in fear of retribution, said the training Marines, who were mostly Black, Latino and white, were shaken by the incident. Stars and Stripes reported that several more Marines came forward about the incident.
Following an investigation, Gen. David Berger, the commandant of the Marine Corps, announced that Neary was relieved of his command.
“Neary was relieved due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to serve in command,” the Marines said in a brief written statement. Neary had assumed command in July.
The details of the USMC’s investigation into Neary’s remarks were not released.
Last summer, Berger began addressing racism within the Marine Corps in the wake of the George Floyd protests and started by banning the Confederate flag from being displayed on USMC bases.
“Current events are a stark reminder that it is not enough for us to remove symbols that cause division — rather, we also must strive to eliminate division itself,” Berger said.
“By listening, we learn, by learning, we change,” Berger said. “The path to a more just and equal Marine Corps begins with these conversations.”
“The trust Marines place in one another on a daily basis demands this,” Berger said.
With News Wire Services
