And I recall when the Army did away with the ‘Distinguish Honor Graduate’ spot in leadership schools. Probably for the same reason others opined here...not enough non-white males pulling the glory.
The valedictorian makes everyone else the unwashed. Let’s them know they’re not as good. A whole life ahead of them and they’re put down right in the beginning.
Analogy-The NFL/NBA/MLB then expands the playoff system to make others feel they all have a chance while filling the coffers of the owners. We’re all being played. The owners/school boards call the shots. We don’t have to play.
USAF. WEIGHTED Airmans Performance System(WAPS). Everyone had an ‘equal’ opportunity for promotion. One election cycle the AF decided to promote 6% of the eligibles. One particular field had a dearth of NCO’s-Security Police. They made their exception and promoted 50% of them. It’s playing the game and the rest are chumps.