President OKs independent panel to review academy Published April 17, 2003 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- President George W. Bush signed into law April 16 legislation establishing a panel to review allegations of sexual misconduct at the Air Force Academy.The independent panel's creation was part of the fiscal 2003 Supplemental Appropriations Act to Support Department of Defense Operations in Iraq, funding military operations, relief and reconstruction activities in that country and the continuing global war on terrorism.The review panel will be composed of seven people appointed by the secretary of defense. Selected panel members will have expertise in matters relating to sexual assault, rape and the military academies, according to the bill.According to the bill, the panel will determine "responsibility and accountability for the establishment or maintenance of an atmosphere at the U.S. Air Force Academy that was conducive to sexual misconduct."They will review:-- actions taken by Air Force and Air Force Academy officials in response to allegations.-- directives issued by the Air Force on sexual misconduct at the academy.-- the effectiveness of the process used at the academy to respond to such allegations.-- the relationship between the command climate for women at the academy and the circumstances that resulted in sexual misconduct.Within 90 days of its first meeting, the panel must submit a report to the defense secretary and the Senate and House Armed Services Committees. The report will outline the panel's findings and recommendations for any appropriate administrative or legislative actions that it feels should be taken in light of its findings.