Military Support for Children’s Charity Not a Constitutional Crisis

In response to the U.S. Air Force Academy issuing an apology for allowing cadets to promote a children’s charity, the ACLJ sent a letter to the Air Force Academy, on behalf of over 15,000 Americans, urging it to once again permit cadets to promote the children’s charity to fellow cadets.

The letter reminds the Air Force Academy that “[a]ll Americans, even those in uniform, retain Constitutional rights.” It further notes that the email sent by cadets – which encouraged fellow cadets to “consider spending some of your valuable time and money to love on a kid around the world” by participating in Operation Christmas Child’s campaign to provide toys and necessities to impoverished children – “was not – and, indeed, could not be – a violation of the Establishment Clause.”

The email, which became the subject of a complaint filed by the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, “simply offered an opportunity for cadets to help brighten the lives of poverty-stricken children.” It in no way created a constitutional crisis.

The letter concluded by offering the ACLJ’s legal assistance, stating, “If Air Force Academy officials desire our assistance in crafting a balanced, Constitutionally sound policy on such matters, we extend our hand in support.”

We remain deeply committed to defending and protecting religious freedom for all Americans, including those in the military.