The Air Force Academy may overturn years-old tradition to abide by the wishes of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation and take out “God” from its honor oath.
Currently, those attending the academy pledge: “We will not lie, steal or cheat nor tolerate among us anyone who does. Furthermore, I resolve to do my duty and live honorably, so help me God.”
But Mikey Weinstein, president of the group, complained about the portion of the oath that refers to God. And Maj. Bruce Vidal, director of public affairs, said the school’s Honor Review Committee is now reviewing its oath and the complaint. One option: strike the entire pledge. Another: remove “God” from the oath, Fox News said.
“They considered a range of options and some of those options will be presented to Academy leaders and, ultimately, the Academy Superintendent for a decision,” Maj. Vidal said in the Fox News report. Leaders at the school said they want to find a solution that’s “respectful to all perspectives,” Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson, the academy superintendent said, as Fox News reported.
Mr. Weinstein frequently has criticized the military for public mentions of God. On a Fox News interview with Megyn Kelly to defend his stance, Mr. Weinstein said the notion of leaving the oath as is, with the caveat that those who take offense could opt out of saying it, was not feasible.
“It’s like saying why don’t you just opt out of not robbing a bank, because robbing a bank violates the law,” he said, as The Blaze reported. “Let me say it again in words of one syllable: It violates — that’s three syllables — the law.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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