Whoever said that young people don’t have a sense of true journalism hasn’t met Rachel Krantz. A member of Youth Radio, the young reporter has published Investigation: Sailor’s Abuse Kept Silent in Navy Canine Unit.
A Youth Radio investigation has found that between 2004 and 2006, sailors in the U.S. Navy’s Bahrain Military Working Dogs Division, or “The Kennel,” were subjected to an atmosphere of sexual harassment, psychological humiliation, and physical assaults.
The story details the results of an independent investigation carried out by Marine Corps Captain Brooks Braden, including redacted documentation of the findings. Four members of the Bahrain Working Dogs Division were also interviewed.
This story is particularly well timed, as Congress prepares to go back in session. Yesterday, Politico reported that Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is likely on the back burner until next year. The story quoted Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill) saying, “We have a very heavy, busy agenda and a few months left to [repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell]. So it may not be now, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be soon.”
Krantz’s story demonstrates why action should be taken sooner, rather than later.