A top officer at the Air Force Academy who has been criticized in recent months for proselytizing to cadets is up for promotion.
Brig. Gen. Johnny Weida, a 1978 academy graduate, was nominated Monday by President Bush for promotion to the rank of major general. Weida was among 24 one-star generals on the list.
Air Force spokeswoman Jennifer Stephens said Weida’s nomination has nothing to do with the controversy over religious intolerance at the school. The promotion must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, a process that could take several weeks or months.
A recent 13-page report by Americans United for Separation of Church and State found fault with Weida for endorsing Christianity, and especially evangelical Christianity.
The Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United, said: “I think it’s completely irresponsible to even consider a promotion for someone who is a key figure in the ongoing investigation” of the religious climate.
“This is not a healthy direction to take if you are engaged in a serious investigation. I am eternally optimistic, but this is a very unpleasant development,” Lynn said.
The Air Force last week appointed a task force to examine the religious climate at the school. Members are expected to arrive in Colorado Springs tonight and will spend Wednesday, Thursday and Friday reviewing religious tolerance training, holding focus groups and speaking to cadets.
A preliminary report is due to acting Air Force Secretary Michael Dominguez on May 23.
Weida was sent to the academy on April 10, 2003, to steer the institution out of a sexual-assault scandal. As commandant of cadets, he was slated to serve three years at the academy.
Shortly after Weida’s arrival at the school, he issued a commandants’ guidance, urging cadets to be accountable. He wrote: “Remember, you are accountable first to your God, this great nation, our great Air Force, our Air Force Academy and lastly your teammates.”
Weida declined comment.
Pentagon spokesman Gary Keck told the Associated Press he could not comment on whether the board that recommended Weida’s promotion knew of the religious tolerance inquiry.
Keck said the board recommends promotions based on an officer’s record and potential. He said he had no specifics on Weida’s promotion.
Staff writer Erin Emery can be reached at 719-522-1360 or eemery@denverpost.com.
