Cadet Quits, Cites Overt Religion At West Point

by The Associated Press

ALBANY, N.Y. December 5, 2012, 06:24 pm ET

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A cadet quitting West Point less than six months before graduation says he could no longer be part of a culture that promotes prayers and religious activities and disrespects nonreligious cadets.

Blake Page announced his decision to quit the U.S. Military Academy this week in a much-discussed online post that echoed the sentiments of soldiers and airmen at other military installations. The 24-year-old told The Associated Press that a determination this semester that he could not become an officer because of clinical depression played a role in his public protest against what he calls the unconstitutional prevalence of religion in the military.

complete at: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=166591789

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