DENVER -- As an Air Force investigation team returned for additional work, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said Monday that President George W. Bush is concerned about rape allegations at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

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"This is a matter that the president is concerned about -- making certain that throughout our society, including at the Air Force Academy and other places, that every step is taken to preserve the liberty and security of the people who attend these institutions and to put protections in place for women at these institutions," Fleischer said in Washington, D.C.

"The president is confident that the department of the Air Force is handling this properly."

Members of the 17-person team were scheduled to meet Monday afternoon with representatives of TESSA, a Colorado Springs civilian rape crisis center where 22 female cadets sought help after they said they were raped.

"We'll share with them what we have without any names, without violating any confidentiality," TESSA executive director Cari Davis said.

In addition, a separate team of investigators from the Air Force inspector general's office will arrive later this week, Lt. Col. Dewey Ford said.

The Air Force says it has investigated 54 reports of sexual assault since the academy began admitting women in 1976. Many alleged victims have said they were afraid to report the attacks because they feared they would be reprimanded.

The allegations came to light after a 7NEWS Investigates series of stories on the allegations, as told by several women who said they were raped and then disciplined for reporting it.

The scandal has prompted both Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper and Air Force Secretary James Roche to visit the academy in the past month to reassure female cadets that they should feel safe. They also said there is no room for rapists in the military.

Jumper said he and Roche have written the parents of 218 incoming cadets to say steps will be taken to assure their safety.

The Air Force team left Colorado Springs after a 10-day investigation without consulting with TESSA officials.

Ford said the initial team members will cooperate with the team from the inspector general's office, which will look at individual cases.

Ford said the team is looking at the climate, including living arrangements.

Female cadets currently stay in the two coed dormitories at the academy. Of the 4,000 students, about 700 are women.

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