In Pentagon Report, "Perception of Religious Bias" at the Air Force Academy Noted, but Bias Not Found

June 23, 2005

Source: The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/22/AR2005062200598.html?referrer=email&referrer=email

On June 23, 2005 The Washington Post reported, "A military study of the religious climate at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs found several examples of religious intolerance, insensitivity and inappropriate proselytizing on the part of Air Force officers and cadets, but a report issued yesterday at the Pentagon concluded that the school is not overtly discriminatory and has made improvements in recent months. Air Force Lt. Gen. Roger A. Brady announced that his 16-member review team found a 'perception of religious bias' in more than 300 interviews with cadets representing all faiths and with faculty members and administrators. Brady also found that there was a failure at the academy 'to fully accommodate all members' needs and a lack of awareness over where the line is drawn between permissible and impermissible expression of beliefs.' Brady told reporters at an afternoon news conference at the Pentagon that there did not appear to be a systemic problem, but he cited examples in which professors used their lecterns to promote specific religious activities to their cadets, calling the professors 'well intended, but wrong.' He said some personnel were concerned about the impact of religious affiliation on their careers and some cadets expressed objections to what they perceived to be mandatory prayers at official functions and in locker rooms."