Air Force Academy: Difference between revisions

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 In 2005, allegations surfaced that some [[evangelical Christian]] cadets and staff were effectively engaging in religious proselytizing at the academy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10C17F73A5C0C728DDDAF0894DD404482 |title=Zealots at the Air Force Academy, editorial, ''New York Times,'' Jun. 11, 2005 |publisher=Select.nytimes.com |date=11 June 2005 |access-date=2012-02-20}}</ref>  These allegations, along with concerns over how the Air Force handles other religious issues, prompted Academy graduate Michael L. Weinstein to file a lawsuit against the Air Force.<ref>Weinstein's 2006 book ''With God on Our Side'' ({{ISBN|0-312-36143-2}}) details the alleged proselytization and harassment at the academy.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/10/06/national/main919947.shtml |title=Air Force Sued over Religion, CBS News, Oct. 6, 2005 |publisher=Cbsnews.com |date=11 February 2009 |access-date=2012-02-20 |archive-date=14 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614203713/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/10/06/national/main919947.shtml |url-status=dead }}</ref>  An Air Force panel investigated the accusations and issued a report on 22 June 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.af.mil/pdf/HQ_Review_Group_Report.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325190319/http://www.af.mil/pdf/HQ_Review_Group_Report.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Report of HQ Review Group Concerning the Religious Climate at the U.S. Air Force Academy, 22 June 2005.|archive-date=25 March 2009}}</ref> The panel's investigation found a "religious climate that does not involve overt religious discrimination, but a failure to fully accommodate all members' needs and a lack of awareness over where the line is drawn between permissible and impermissible expression of beliefs."  Evidence discovered during the investigation included [[antisemitism|antisemitic]] remarks, official sponsorship of a showing of  the film ''[[The Passion of the Christ]]'' and a locker room banner that said academy athletes played for "Team Jesus." In response to the panel's findings, the Air Force released new guidelines to discourage public prayers at official events or meetings and to facilitate worship by non-Christian religions.<ref>Banerjee, Neela, "Religion and Its Role Are in Dispute at the Service Academies", ''[[New York Times]]'', 25 June 2008</ref>
-In 2010 the academy set up an outdoor worship area for cadets following [[Wicca]], [[Neo-Druidism]], or other earth-based religions to practice their faiths.<ref>[[Associated Press]], "Colorado: Academy Accommodates Wiccans", ''[[New York Times]]'', 2 February 2010.</ref><ref>Correll, DeeDee, "Cross Found At Air Force Pagan Center", ''Los Angeles Times'', 3 February 2010, p. 8.</ref> A survey conducted that same year found that 41 percent of academy cadets who identified themselves as non-Christian reported they were subjected to unwanted religious proselytizing at least once or twice last year at the school.  The survey's results, however, showed that the number of cadets who felt pressured to join in religious activities had declined from previous years.  Colorado congressman [[Mike Coffman]] criticized the academy for resisting calls to release details of the survey's results.<ref>Elliot, Dan, "41% Of Non-Christian AF Cadets Cite Proselytizing", ''[[Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]'', 29 October 2010.</ref><ref>Benzel, Lance, "AFASurvey: Cadets Fear Racial, Religious Bias", ''[[Colorado Springs Gazette]]'', 30 October 2010.</ref> Two years later, 66 House Republicans complained about policies set in place the last September to curtail requirements to attend religious events.<ref>Lisee, Chris. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/debate-reignites-over-religion-at-air-force-academy/2012/07/16/gJQAvB0PpW_story.html "Debate reignites over religion at Air Force Academy."] ''Religion News Service'', 16 July 2012.</ref>
+In 2010 the academy set up an outdoor worship area for cadets following [[Wicca]], [[Neo-Druidism]], or other earth-based religions to practice their faiths.<ref>Associated Press, "Colorado: Academy Accommodates Wiccans", ''[[New York Times]]'', 2 February 2010.</ref><ref>Correll, DeeDee, "Cross Found At Air Force Pagan Center", ''Los Angeles Times'', 3 February 2010, p. 8.</ref> A survey conducted that same year found that 41 percent of academy cadets who identified themselves as non-Christian reported they were subjected to unwanted religious proselytizing at least once or twice last year at the school.  The survey's results, however, showed that the number of cadets who felt pressured to join in religious activities had declined from previous years.  Colorado congressman [[Mike Coffman]] criticized the academy for resisting calls to release details of the survey's results.<ref>Elliot, Dan, "41% Of Non-Christian AF Cadets Cite Proselytizing", ''[[Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]'', 29 October 2010.</ref><ref>Benzel, Lance, "AFASurvey: Cadets Fear Racial, Religious Bias", ''[[Colorado Springs Gazette]]'', 30 October 2010.</ref> Two years later, 66 House Republicans complained about policies set in place the last September to curtail requirements to attend religious events.<ref>Lisee, Chris. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/debate-reignites-over-religion-at-air-force-academy/2012/07/16/gJQAvB0PpW_story.html "Debate reignites over religion at Air Force Academy."] ''Religion News Service'', 16 July 2012.</ref>
 === Hazing incidents ===