Sweeping Changes On The Way Stemming From USAFA
Investigation
Air Forces officials have instituted
changes designed to stop instances of religious intolerance.
The changes came as a result of an investigation into
allegations of religious disrespect at the US Air Force Academy.
The suggestions, developed by a commission headed by personnel
chief Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, will be adopted Air Force-wide, said
Acting Air Force Secretary Michael L. Dominguez during a Pentagon
news conference today.
Brady headed a 16-member group that "took the pulse" of the
academy in May. The group met with more than 300 people and
participated in 27 focus groups of cadets, instructors and
permanent-party personnel.
Brady said the group identified deficiencies, which Academy
Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Rosa has already begun to address. The
general said he was not at the academy to investigate individual
behavior, but he did refer seven specific cases to authorities for
follow-up.
Dominguez stressed that Air Force Academy leadership first
identified the problem. "They saw the perception by some that there
was a religious bias at the academy and began working aggressively
to address it," he said.
Brady said the problems fall into
three broad areas. First, some academy practices left a perception
among some groups that the academy was not addressing their
religious needs. This is especially true of smaller religious
groups.
Second is "the on-going challenge of dealing with 18 to 22 year
olds." Brady said it is imperative that cadets understand Air Force
values, in this case respect for the beliefs of others.
Finally, Brady said, there was a lack of awareness on the part
of some faculty, staff and cadet leaders as to what constitutes
appropriate expressions of faith. This is particularly true when
viewed in superior/subordinate relationships in a US government
institute.
Specifically, Brady recommended the Air Force beef up
operational guidance to commanders addressing what is appropriate
religious expression.
He said the service must look at endorsement and advertising on
a military base and that the service must make sure that religious
groups that come on military bases around the world "understand
what our standards are respecting diversity of beliefs."
Commanders everywhere must ensure they comply with
accommodations of beliefs. For instance, he said, it would probably
be unwise "to start an exercise during Passover."
The Air Force said it must also work
on developing wider cultural awareness. The service must bolster
surveys to ensure the service is asking the right questions of
airmen and their families. Finally, specifically at the academy,
there must be a single point of contact that can handle
complaints.
"At the core of our airman ethos is respect," the acting
secretary said. "Whether it is based on religion, race or gender,
mutual respect is what enables us to do our job defending freedom.
Instances of disrespect ... are wrong and incompatible with what we
do for this nation."