Cadet’s Resignation Underscores How DADT Violates Military Core Values
West Point Cadet Katherine Miller recently submitted her resignation in protest of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” according to a press release issued by the LGBT West Point alumni group Knights Out.
Katherine comes out as gay in her resignation letter. Her experience illustrates the double standard and code of secrecy that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” forces upon service members:
… I have created a heterosexual dating history to recite to fellow cadets when they inquire. I have endured unwanted approaches by male cadets for fear of being accused as a lesbian by rejecting or reporting these events. I have been coerced into ignoring derogatory comments towards homosexuals for fear of being alienated for my viewpoint. In short, I have lied to my classmates and compromised my integrity and my identity by adhering to existing military policy.
While at the academy, I have made a deliberate effort to develop myself academically, physically, and militarily, but in terms of holistic personal growth I have reached a plateau. I am unwilling to suppress an entire portion of my identity any longer because it has taken a significant personal, mental, and social toll on me and detrimentally affected my professional development. I have experienced a relentless cognitive dissonance by attempting to adhere to §654 [colloquially known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”] and retain my integrity, and I am retrospectively convinced that I am unable to live up to the Army Values as long as the policy remains in place.
If the ban were lifted, Katherine has indicated that she would return to become an Army Officer – like thousands of other qualified Americans who would rejoin the military if DADT ended.
Help patriots like Katherine who are willing and able to serve by telling both your Senators today to repeal DADT.
Click here: http://bit.ly/dbjBiF
08-11-10 By Paul DeMiglio, Senior Communications Manager |
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