Report finds Air Force Academy commanders failed to deal with sexual assault claims
PENTAGON The Defense Department's Inspector General has issued his report on allegations of sexual assault at the Air Force Academy. Joseph Schmitz says his team found "many leaders in positions of authority" who "failed to guard against and suppress sexual misconduct among cadets."
He also says they failed to hold the offending cadets responsible for their actions.
Eight officers have been found deficient by the inspector general's office. Their names aren't being released -- and officials decline to say whether they've been disciplined.
Nearly 150 women came forward last year to say they had been assaulted by fellow cadets between 1993 and 2003.
Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Michael Mosely says the management of the Air Force Academy was replaced before the report was issued.
He says "true cultural change takes time," but says the Air Force is committed to seeing that it takes place.
Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
|
