Air Force Academy cadets no longer are required to include the words "so help me God" when taking their annual Honor Oath, the Religion News Service website reports today (October 29, 2013).
On October 25, officials at the Colorado Springs, Colorado campus announced its 4,000 current cadets would be allowed to opt out of the final phrase of their honor code, which they reaffirm each of their four years of study and training.
"Here at the Academy, we work to build a culture of dignity and respect, and that respect includes the ability of our cadets, Airmen, and civilian Airmen to freely practice and exercise their religious preference -- or not," said Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson, the academy's superintendent, in a statement.
She added, "So in the spirit of respect, cadets may or may not choose to finish the Honor Oath with 'So help me God.'"
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