<p>The Cadets I've talked to at the Academy say that they have no idea why there was such a big stink over sexual harrassment and religious bigotry, because they've never had trouble. And they were both girls, and one was of a minority race. They also said that the paper in Colorado Springs loves to give the Academy a bad rap, because they have nothing else important to report in Colorado Springs because the Academy is the only thing there.</p>
<p>Much the same was said to me by the mother of a Jewish Cadet. She believed the situation was blown out of proportion and said her son had no difficulties or concerns.</p>
<p>If the brass is acknowledging a problem, it probably exists. I am sure the Air Force will see that it (or the people causing it) will be straightened out in a hurry.</p>
<p>Actually, shogun, if the brass is acknowledging it, that just means the media has made a big deal about it and they have to do something or look like they don't care.
I think I agree with the others who say it has been blown out of proportion. After all, that is a major attribute of the media.</p>
<p>I seem to remember the same argument being used by some when other issues surfaced at the academy. Issues like this, IF based on false accusations and over exaggerated charges usually don't hold up to scrutiny. I think the academy is addressing the issue correctly, as it did in the earlier cases of sexual harassment and rape. Blaming the media, while a popular pasttime these days, is pretty far from the mark.
The fact that the superintendent himself admits the problem exists within his staff and the cadet wing should be enough proof of a problem. The General in charge showed himself to be an honorable man in acknowledging the problem and showing his determination to correct it. This isn't the civilian world of "spin" and "politics"---these are cadets and officers that must hold themselves to a higher standard, that being upholding truth and honor. The academies are not perfect institutions but they have codes in place to recognize the problems and correct them head-on.</p>