News Clips
What Can We Expect from an Obama Administration?
Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), said he feels optimistic about the prospect of overturning "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" under the Obama administration, but he said as a result of lessons learned during the Clinton years SLDN plans to hold off on pressuring the White House to take action. Clinton pushed early on in his first term for repeal of the military's ban on gay service members, but he faced intense opposition from the Joint Chiefs of Staff and members of Congress. Ultimately the White House, the Joint Chiefs and Congress settled on the current "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy as a compromise, but discharges have continued. ...Read More
Darren Manzella Shares “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Story on Windy City Queercast
Former Army Sergeant Darren Manzella talks to Windy City Queercast about "Don't Ask Don't Tell," sharing his experience of serving in the military as an openly gay soldier and the investigation that eventually led to his discharge from the Army. ...Read More
Retired Rear Admiral Calls for Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
Retired Rear Admiral Jamie Barnett, Jr.'s support of full inclusion for all members of the armed forces regardless of sexual orientation began years before implementation of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," when his Mississippi high school became integrated and he saw blacks and whites have the opportunity to thrive as equals. Remembering the success of integration over the discrimination of segregation, Admiral Barnett continues to advance the dream of equality for all through advocacy for open and honest service in the military and an end to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." ...Read More
Extended War Tours Likely to Continue
Despite pledges earlier this year by top military officials to reduce stop loss, the Army is expected to continue its reliance on this policy through 2009 as buildups in Iraq and Afghanistan continue. Stop loss requires soldiers to remain in the Army after their deployment term expires, impacts more than 12,000 service members each month and demonstrates how "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" adds to the strain of our armed forces. ...Read More
Retention Hits 7-Year Low
Recent statistics released by the Department of Defense show that retention rates for the Air Force have fallen to their lowest levels since 9/11, further illustrating the urgent need for our armed forces to attract and retain qualified service members of all backgrounds without regard to sexual orientation. ...Read More
Harvard’s Endowment is Large Enough to Oppose Solomon Amendment
While members of the Law School staged a symbolic protest against this discrimination, it accomplished nothing; Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell remains policy, and the Solomon Amendment continues to threaten universities with the elimination of their federal dollar allowances if they take a stand against it. And so while we all, like Dean Kagan, "look forward to the time when all our students can pursue any career path they desire, including the path-as deeply honorable as any [we] can imagine-of devoting their professional lives to the defense of this country," we also all know that that day is not today. It probably won't be tomorrow either. ...Read More
A Majority in Connecticut Poll Backs Gay Marriage Ruling
In addition to showing support for marriage equality, an overwhelming majority of Connecticut residents also believe that members of the armed forces who are gay should be allowed to serve openly in the military. ...Read More
British Army’s Top General Makes History at Conference on Homosexuality
The Telegraph reports that General Sir Richard Dannett delivered a groundbreaking address to the Fourth Joint Conference on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transexual Matters, declaring that respect for and inclusion of LGBT service members is "a command responsibility" vital for "operational effectiveness." ...Read More
Activists Cry Foul at Appointment of Anti-Gay Former General at IU
Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace on Thursday met with student leaders and gay advocates who have voiced concerns about his appointment as Poling Chair at the University of Indiana Kelly School of Business. Serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs from 2005 to 2007, Pace drew intense public scrutiny in March 2007 when he compared homosexuality to adultery. Pace later said he should not have expressed his personal views. ...Read More
Emotions Run High on JROTC Measure
One of the most controversial measures set to appear on San Francisco's November ballot is Proposition V, an advisory measure that would declare as city policy that students in public high schools have the choice to participate in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps. The San Francisco Board of Education has voted to phase the program out by the 2009 school year. ...Read More
