[Free Beacon] Cadets, parents, and alumni of the Virginia Military Institute are speaking out after the Washington Free Beacon's exclusive report that the prestigious military academy is offering students coloring books to deal with stress.Many were outraged at the Free Beacon's report, while others were equally bothered that the school would have coloring books for cadets in the first place.
A new photo obtained by the Free Beacon reveals a flyer posted at VMI advertising "Stress Busters" with a cartoon picture of a puppy. The event for cadets, which occurs twice a year before finals, will include Therapets of Roanoke, the new-age meditation technique known as "mindfulness," yoga, games, grab-and-go snacks, a coloring station, and a raffle.
One cadet currently enrolled told the Free Beacon the idea of offering coloring books for stress was an "embarrassment."
"We pride ourselves on being one of the hardest schools in the nation," he said. "Current pressure from the state and outside population has tied our hands and forced us to make many changes in recent years."
"These changes, including the ‘Stress Busters' program are resented and opposed by the majority of the cadet body," he added.
All students and alumni interviewed for this story spoke on condition that they not be named.
A 2010 VMI graduate echoed the sentiment, saying coloring book stations were "embarrassing and shameful."
Washington Times same topic.