We, the Alumni/Veteran members of the Acro-Airs program, wish express our collective disappointment with Washington Adventist University’s decision to suspend Coach Benjamin Johnson - who is affectionately referred to as Coach Ben. This indelible action consequently led to the cancellation of this year’s Homeshow program - a program that has not be offered at full capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions are a part of the Administration’s poor response to allegations of bullying by at least one current member of the team.

For decades, Coach Ben has worked tirelessly to deliver the best experience possible for all of his athletes. This includes, but is not limited to, advocacy in the classroom, ministering the gospel to the team and those we serve, establishing connections to ensure success post-graduation, serving as a mentor/confidant/coach/advocate, and many more. He has extended abounding grace to those who need it, created a culture of belonging for all to enjoy, and has created opportunities for his athletes to thrive both on and off the mats. This is evidenced by the close-knit alumni community that Coach Ben has cultivated throughout the course of his entire career.

For these reasons, and many more, we demand the immediate reversal of Coach Ben’s suspension. Additionally, we demand that the Acro-Airs team, under the leadership of Coach Ben, be granted the opportunity to reschedule their Homeshow program with the full support of the University’s administration. We maintain the belief that the decision to suspend and cause undue sufferance to the entire Acro-Airs community was not only made in haste, but is reactive and devoid of clear discernment and wisdom.

We beseech your prayerful support as we stand in solidarity with Coach Ben and the legacy he has curated with the Acro-Airs community.