The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) has reportedly implemented sex-based quotas in its admissions process, allocating 25% of entrant slots for female candidates. This move has raised concerns about compliance with federal regulations that mandate merit-based selection.
Federal law requires that admissions to the USMMA be based strictly on merit, including academic achievement and entrance exam scores, without consideration of race, sex, or other demographic criteria unless explicitly authorized by law. According to Restoration News, a USMMA email confirming a female admissions quota of 25% violates these federal standards, highlighting tension between diversity efforts and statutory requirements.
Restoration News published a redacted excerpt from an internal USMMA email stating, "25 percent of the entrants are allocated for females." The outlet alleges this quota system applies to both current and previous admissions cycles and bypasses federally mandated merit-based criteria. Legal experts warn that setting aside specific enrollment slots based on sex could expose the academy to litigation under Title IX and federal administrative law.
Superintendent Admiral Joanna Nunan assumed leadership of USMMA in December 2022. She has previously led diversity and inclusion programs within the U.S. Coast Guard. Her tenure at USMMA has included several controversial decisions, such as removing a religious painting and continuing COVID-19 vaccine requirements after other military academies lifted them. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently called for the reinstatement of the painting and faces pressure to remove Nunan as the statutory protection period for Senior Executive Service officials has passed.
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is located in Kings Point, New York, and is operated by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Maritime Administration. It educates future officers for service in the U.S. Merchant Marine and Navy Reserve, with graduates required to fulfill service obligations upon completion. The Academy plays a key role in supporting national security and maritime commerce by producing professionals with specialized training in logistics, engineering, and navigation.
