SLDN Reports: Conduct Unbecoming: The 1st Annual Report on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue”
by Michelle Benecke & Dixon Osburn
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network's review of the first year of the military's new policy on homosexuals, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue," reveals a pattern of violations that often renders the policy little more than "Ask, Pursue and Harass." SLDN has documented death threats and other specific violations of the new policy from March 1, 1994 - February 28, 1995, and concludes that many military officials continue to ask questions about sexual orientation, conduct witch hunts and condone harassment of lesbian and gay servicemembers in direct violation of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue." SLDN concludes that the chief reasons for the continuing violations are lack of information, lack of adequate training and guidance regarding the new policy, and in some cases, willful disregard of military policy by commanders and investigators.
SLDN recommends that the Department of Defense ensure the proper implementation of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" through adequate training of all servicemembers about the new policy, common sense remedies when inquiries or investigations are started improperly, and clear accountability for violations of the policy by military officials.
