The U.S. Air Force Academy has decided that it has the right to forbid a cadet to write a verse from the Bible on his personal white board for inspiration. 

I disagree.  I don't think that they have that right. Nor does, I believe the United States Constitution. 

I sent this letter to the Superintendent of the academy today.  If you agree, pass it on, and do the same, in your own words.  I'd love to see a million letters on her desk.  Please be respectful and polite, and give your communication to a Major General in the Air Force the thoughtfulness that it deserves. 

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William G. Leslie

100 West Powell Blvd.

Gresham, OR 97030

(503) xxx-xxxx

williamleslie99@gmail.com

March 28, 2014

Superintendent, United States Air Force Academy

2304 Cadet Dr., Ste. 3300

USAF Academy, CO 80840-5001

Attn:  Maj. Gen. Michelle Johnson

Dear General Johnson:

As a patriot, I cannot let the recent actions by the United States Air Force Academy to stifle religious freedom among the Corps. of Cadets stand without a personal response. The Constitution of the United States does not provide for freedom of worship.  It is much broader than that.  It says, in part, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech…”  By forbidding the cadets to freely express themselves, and to demonstrate their faith, you are ignoring a document that you have sworn to protect. Do you take your oath so lightly?

It is not difficult to see that the writing of a personal message of inspiration on a cadet’s personal white-board is a protected form of communication, under both the freedom of expression clause of the Constitution, and under the freedom of speech clause.  

Please take a moment to review the Constitution.  It has stood up well for more than two hundred years.  Shall one of our nation’s finest institutions toss it aside carelessly?

Sincerely,

William Leslie