Air Force Academy supports Mountain West Conferences’ statement on positive social change

U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs, June 2, 2020
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — The Mountain West published a statement decrying racism and violence on its official website, June 1.

The Air Force Academy is part of MW collegiate athletic conference.

“Racial injustice and acts of violence against members of our communities are never acceptable,” the statement reads. ”The member institutions of the Mountain West together reaffirm our commitment to the principles of inclusiveness and equity for all, which are core values for the Conference and our individual institutions. We are compelled to come together as a Conference and society to promote understanding and respectfully address these issues in our nation. By virtue of our diverse communities, higher education and intercollegiate athletics continue to offer a platform by which positive social change can be realized.”

Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, the Academy’s superintendent, has often encouraged an institutional “commitment to diversity.”

“My commitment to diversity as an ideal of our service is born from a humble belief that as people, not just airmen, we should treat each other with dignity and respect,” he said. “We must embrace the full spectrum of our humanity, perspectives and experiences.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth Wright made a similar statement June 1.

“If you don’t do anything else, I encourage everyone to fight, not just for freedom, justice and equality, but to fight for understanding,” he said.