Air Force Academy cadets salute as the national anthem plays at the start of their graduation ceremony on April 18, 2020, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images/TNS)
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Tribune News Service) — Almost 100 Air Force Academy cadets have admitted to cheating or tolerating it during a weekly knowledge test, typically required for freshmen.
Cheating is specifically prohibited by the Academy’s Honor Code, which states “We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does.”
The cadets who admitted to cheating have received punitive sanctions and rehabilitation actions, according to a Thursday news release. Punitive sanctions can include restriction to base, removal from sports teams and loss of leadership roles, among other punishments, according to the Honor Code handbook.
In an email, Superintendent Tony Bauernfeind said he appreciated the leadership of Cadet Honor Officers to address the violations, but the behavior was concerning.
“The prevalence of cheating and the method employed suggest a failure in our culture of honor, integrity and accountability,” he said.
Bauernfeind promised to make changes to strengthen the commitment to the code, including clarifying the understanding of required evidence and how Honor Boards effectively function.
“We will take immediate and decisive action to address shortcomings while we continue to ensure due-process,” he wrote.
The Academy is continuing to investigate and will hold any other cadets involved accountable, the release said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Academy suspected about 250 cadets had cheated when they were sent home to study remotely.
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