Response rate plunges for AF Academy cadet survey

More than half of Air Force Academy cadets responding to a school survey say preferential treatment is given to intercollegiate athletes.

Results of the 2012 Air Force Academy Climate Survey were released Thursday. Academy spokesman Lt. Col. John Bryan says 15 percent of the cadet wing took the most recent survey conducted Oct. 31-Feb. 10, down from 47 percent who responded to the last survey two years ago.

The Gazette reports 53 percent of respondents this time said preferential treatment is given to intercollegiate athletes, 26 percent said preferential treatment is awarded based on academy ability, and 22 percent said gender is a factor.

More than half of respondents said gender discrimination and hazing happen at least once a month, while 49 percent said bullying happens at least monthly