Update: On May 3, 2005, the U.S. Air Force announced the creation of a "cross-functional task force" to assess policies and practices "that either enhance or detract from a climate that respects both the 'free exercise of religion' and the 'establishment clauses' of the First Amendment." The League welcomed the panel's findings when they were released on June 22, 2005.

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Denver, April 22, 2005….The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today encouraged the US Air Force Academy to continue its efforts to address religious discrimination at the institution.

Bruce H. DeBoskey, ADL Regional Director, issued the following statement:

The Anti-Defamation League is seriously concerned about allegations of religious harassment and evangelization at the Air Force Academy.  We support the efforts of General John Rosa, Academy Superintendent, to provide training to the Academy community on respecting the beliefs of all cadets, no matter what religion they profess, or indeed if they profess no religion at all.  ADL has offered its assistance to the Academy to assess the nature of the problem, and to provide its expertise and resources for training on issues of diversity and religious freedom.

Today's cadets are America's officers of tomorrow, who will be commanding troops from a variety of religious backgrounds.  US military officers are representatives of our nation, and it is vital that they understand that our country does not promote any particular religion. As American officers, they must model our nation's respect for minority faiths and beliefs and uphold the Constitution's protection for freedom of religion.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.