Broomfield – Lt. Gen. John Rosa, superintendent of the Air Force Academy, acknowledged in a speech Friday to the Anti-Defamation League that religious intolerance permeates the military school.
“As a commander, I know I have problems in my cadet wing,” Rosa said during a meeting of the national Jewish group’s executive committee. “I have issues in my staff and I have issues in my faculty – and that’s my whole organization.”
He said he intended to change the culture at the academy, creating a “climate of respect for people.”
He said he had admonished the academy’s No. 2 commander, Brig. Gen. Johnny Weida, a born-again Christian, for sending an e-mail promoting National Prayer Day.
“We sat down and said, ‘This is not right,’ and he acknowledged that,” Rosa said.
The academy has been under investigation because of complaints that evangelical Christians have harassed cadets who do not share their faith. Some cadets have complained of anti-Semitic slurs, and one of the top chaplains at the school claims she was fired because she criticized what she saw as proselytizing at the academy.
Academy leaders deny the claim, saying that Capt. Melinda Morton was simply reassigned to Japan. The Defense Department’s inspector general is investigating.
Rosa said the problem “is something that keeps me awake at night.”
“If everything goes well, it’s probably going to take six years to fix it,” he added.
The academy plans a “climate change” that will address the problem of religious bias by acknowledging problems, tackling them head-on, cultivating respect and by offering education, training and accountability.
“We want to create a climate of respect for people and culture in the United States Air Force,” Rosa said.
The AFA already has a program to help deal with religious and other insensitivity issues. RSVP (Respecting the Spiritual Values of All People) began in March; Rosa said all of the cadets and staff are taking the courses.
Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, said he was pleased with Rosa’s plan and comments.
“We feel confident that you understand and appreciate the severity of the problem,” Foxman said.
Foxman said the ADL has offered the academy help with issues concerning diversity and religious freedom and will work out a plan with officials.
“We will honor and support them,” Foxman said.