Muslims at Air Force Academy Face Ongoing Worship and Schedule Conflicts

July 3, 2005

Source: The Denver Post

Wire Service: AP

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_2837668

On July 3, 2005 the Associated Press reported, "Nearly two weeks after an Air Force task force found that the academy failed to facilitate worship for diverse religions, Muslim freshmen had to choose between worship and a required training activity.

The training schedule listed 'optional chapel service' for Muslims from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday. However, that slot is also listed as 'basic cadet time' to 'prepare room for inspection, work on uniforms, boots, etc.'

There was no conflict for Sundays, the day the Christians, who are the vast majority of cadets, worship. And on coming Fridays, there also will be an hour set aside for personal time with no training conflicts.

A task force created after allegations mounted that the academy favored Christianity issued a report June 22 that blamed perceptions of bias, in part, on a lack of accommodation for diverse religions when scheduling events."