| July 18, 2005 Panel chairman cites progress in resolving religious intolerance at academy By Robert Weller Associated Press AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — The chairman of the Air Force Academy’s oversight board said Saturday that Air Force officials have made progress in resolving religious intolerance problems at the academy. “I think we are getting pretty close to the right policy,” said former Virginia Gov. James Gilmore, speaking at a meeting of the Board of Visitors. But he warned against overstating the issue. “We want to insure that it doesn’t get in the way of the cadets training or the respect that the American people owe to these cadets,” Gilmore said. “And there is serious danger that we are going to distract the cadets from their duties and their progress.” Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, who oversaw an investigation of religious intolerance at the academy, said a draft policy on religious _expression had been written, but must be carefully reviewed before being implemented. “We’re not going to dawdle but we’re going to make sure it is right,” Brady said. Brady’s investigation followed complaints from Americans United for Separation of Church and State and others that evangelical Christians were trying to foist their beliefs on cadets who did not share their opinions. Some cadets said they were told they would burn in hell if the did not become born- again Christians, and a Jewish cadet said he was called a Christ killer. Some professors also were criticized for inviting their students to join them at church. Gilmore said a sound religious _expression policy should make sure people in command positions are sensitive that their subordinates may not share their views and cadets don’t abuse other cadets. But he said it should not drive religion and spirituality from the academy. “We may actually set a policy that goes far beyond the academy and actually sets a good standard for the nation,” he said. Rep. Joel Hefley, R-Colo., who also is on the board, said academy professors should not have to hide their faith. “The free _expression of religion is more grounded in the constitution than separation of church and state,” Hefley said. Brady responded that what concerned him was the use of power relationships to further an individual’s views. He said the academy already had a handle on the issue of accommodating less- represented religions at the school. Starting this fall, cadets will attend seminars on world religions. Academy planners also are reviewing the upcoming calendar to try to consider the holidays and religious observance days of religions other than Christianity. Lt. Gen. John Rosa, academy superintendent, said the system already was working for Christians “but minorities had to go through hoops” to be excused from training to attend an observance. http://www.airforcetimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-979590.php |