Academy Board of Visitors discuss top issues Published Oct. 12, 2005 By Staff Sgt. Julie Weckerlein Air Force Print News WASHINGTON -- Sexual assault prevention and religious tolerance, and the academy’s handling of these issues, were topics discussed by the academy’s Board of Visitors here during an Oct. 6 meeting. Despite the heaviness of the topics, “this was an upbeat meeting,” said Johnny Whitaker, director of communications for the academy. “Everyone involved was very energized by the data exchanged." The board is made up of 15 people, ranging from governors and U.S. representatives to former academy graduates. They are required to meet quarterly to review morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical education, fiscal affairs, academic methods and other matters relating to the academy. During the meeting, the board commended the academy for its efforts to halt sexual assault while providing better help for survivors. In the past, female academy cadets accused school leaders of discouraging them from reporting sexual assault. That has changed, Mr. Whittaker said. “The Air Force has stepped up to the plate about this issue, and people are taking notice,” Mr. Whittaker said. Armed with surveys and statistics, the academy has shown a marked decline in the number of assaults. Members of the board also recognized the fact that civilian universities and businesses are eager to learn about the sexual assault prevention and response programs the academy has since implemented. “(Sexual assault) is a national issue, and we’re not the only organization to experience it,” Mr. Whittaker said. “After the board meeting, several academy representatives met with leaders of other organizations just to talk about things learned from the academy’s experience with sexual assault. It was just to share information in hopes of preventing such incidents elsewhere.” The board also discussed the recently released Air Force religious guidelines. The academy had complaints of religious intolerance filed against it. Though some members of the board were not impressed with the current guidelines, Mr. Whittaker said they understood the guidelines are not permanent. “These are interim guidelines, in the sense that they are still open for discussion,” he said. “They were sent out so that commanders can review them and implement them and then provide feedback to see if these guidelines work or not.” Overall, Mr. Whittaker said, the meeting, which also covered topics such as morale, discipline and academics, was a positive and productive one. “We had a very good discussion with everyone involved,” he said.