The Air Force Academy allowed Muslim cadets to forgo physical training during Ramadan, after denying an earlier request.
The school required Muslim cadets to ask their squadron commanders for permission to skip physical activity during a culminating spring exercise when they would be fasting during the day, a Muslim cadet said. He was not aware of any Muslims cadets who had their request to skip the physical portion of training denied.
The cadet asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. About 50 Muslim cadets attend the academy, including those attending the prep school.
The Muslim cadets were also allowed to attend Iftar, each night to break their holy fast and pray, said the cadet. The training was required for all cadets and replaced an exercise previously focused on freshmen.
Cadets planned and carried out missions and led their squadrons on road marches to Jack's Valley and the surrounding areas, a news release said. They were also challenged by cold weather. The Muslim cadet expected to practice land navigation skills, casualty care and demonstrate knowledge about the laws of war. Those participating in Ramadan were happy to participate in other aspects of the exercise, outside of the physical portion.
"Initially, USAFA failed to provide any remedy, leaving Muslim cadets feeling forced to choose between their faith and their training. Only after external pressure did leadership reactively allow exemptions from physical training and provide transportation for evening meals—steps that should have been taken proactively. Future cadets should not have to fight the same battle," the cadet said, in an email.
It was the first time in recent years Muslim cadets were denied requests to help them during the holy month of fasting. The month follows the lunar calendar and ends on March 29 this year.
The academy changed its position on allowing cadets to skip the physical portion of the training on March 3, a few days before the training started on March 5, after the Military Religious Freedom Foundation raised concerns about the issue. The academy did not tell The Gazette about its decision.
The school also did not address the Muslim cadets' requests for exemptions from physical activity in an official statement in response to Gazette questions about the change. But highlighted how the school allowed cadets to take part in religious activities during the training.
The statement noted Muslim cadets were allowed to break their fast each night and attend evening prayers and attend prayer services on Friday while in Jack's Valley.
On Wednesday, the school held Ash Wednesday services for Catholic cadets and staff. The academy's rabbi also held two Shabbat services for Jewish cadets.
"The U.S. Air Force Academy recognizes the importance of the holy days of all faiths," the statement said.
The military is required by law to accommodate religious activities when possible. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act prohibits the government from “substantially burdening a person’s exercise of religion” without a compelling government reason.
The president and founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, Michael "Mikey" Weinstein, said the academy has treated cadets as an afterthought and made them feel like "80th-class citizens" through the process.
"These kids deserved better," said Weinstein, noting as a graduate he is ashamed of the institution.
A Muslim cadet noted in a email sent through the foundation that the initial concerns arose because the Muslim chaplain recommended that the cadets forgo fasting during training and, if they chose to fast, they would have to deal with the consequences on their own.
"Many cadets felt uncomfortable speaking up to their leaders, fearing potential repercussions. This situation was further compounded by the sense that the Muslim chaplain did not effectively advocate for our needs from the outset," the email said.
The statement said that ignoring the cadets' concerns until they raised the issue outside the school made the cadets feel isolated.
"A proactive approach, including open communication and early planning, could have alleviated much of our anxiety and uncertainty," the email said.
Academy officials plan to join Muslim cadets for a meal before the end of Ramadan, an annual tradition, the academy said in its written response.
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