Academy will adapt to policy on gays

The head of the U.S. Naval Academy says the school would adapt to a repeal of the military's ban on gays serving openly in the military because basic respect among students is crucial to succeeding.

Vice Adm. Jeffrey Fowler told reporters Wednesday that there was a time when minorities were not allowed to attend the school. Women did not start attending until 1976.

Fowler says students already come from many different backgrounds.

Fowler says the concept of basic respect among classmates will serve the school well, regardless of whatever changes come to the military's don't ask, don't tell policy.

President Obama has said the 1993 law unfairly punishes patriotic Americans and asked Congress to repeal it.

-- Associated Press