Military academy investigated

last updated 8 January 2015

Colorado Springs

Dozens of women who studied at the U.S. Air Force Academy in the past decade have come forward to say they were assaulted or raped by upperclassmen who were then protected by administrators. Investigators uncovered 54 reports of sexual abuse and rape, and Air Force Secretary James G. Roche admitted “there’s probably another 100 that we’ve not seen.’’ Only two male cadets were ever prosecuted, and one was convicted. Many victims said that when they filed complaints, they were reprimanded by administrators and accused of breaking the rules by having sex on campus. “This is nothing like a normal college,” said Sharon Fullilove, 21, who dropped out after being raped. “Upperclassmen are your superiors. You have to listen to them, and obey their rules.” Air Force officials promised the parents of 200 incoming female cadets that they’d protect their daughters from “would-be predators” by making changes, including separating male and female dorm rooms.