‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ deemed unconstitutional

Hillary Huber

Contributing Writer

The ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy, which bans gays and lesbians from being open about their sexuality while serving in the military, was ruled unconstitutional last Thursday by federal district court judge Virginia Phillips.

President Bill Clinton initiated the DADT policy in the early ’90s. Under the law, gays and lesbians were required to remain silent about their sexuality, and officers were banned from asking. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the law stated that, “open homosexuality is incompatible with military service because it undermines the military ethos upon which success in war ultimately depends.” The policy has been under scrutiny since it was put into law, continuing to reappear in Senate hearings.

Celebrities tweeted, politicians scheduled hearings, and VCU students spoke up about the repeal.

“[Being open] should be a person by person decision, but having a blatant policy against being out is almost the opposite of why people serve in the military,” said Maria Altonen, a graduate student studying Urban Development. “Why would [military personnel] want to fight for our country’s freedom when they are being oppressed?”

Superstar Lady Gaga expressed her support of the repeal using multiple outlets. Her Web site encourages fans to “join her in repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’” Gaga, who also happens to be the most popular user on Twitter, tweeted the same message in hopes of spreading her message to seven million fans.

Senior sociology major Nandi Shabazz agrees with the repeal. “Sexual orientation should not be a part of someone’s identity … I believe anyone who desires to be in the military should be able to serve no matter what you are,” sad Shabazz. “I take the more radical stance; people should challenge the institution of the military and question why one’s orientation matters rather than just eradicating the policy.”

College Republican chairman, senior Mohammad Samkari, a homeland security and political science major, supported the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy.

“As far as the Republican party, we agree that the generals know what’s best for the military. They are separate from everyday living, so what’s best for them [the military] is different than what’s best for citizens,” said Samkari.

Samkari said that, while he has nothing against a person’s sexual orientation, he regards core conservative values.

“The government should not be able to govern what others do behind closed doors, but as for what people do in their units, the generals know what’s best for the military, and I respect their [the generals’] way of thinking,” said Samkari.

The Log Cabin Republicans, who are a gay GOP organization, fought for the repeal. This surprised some advocates, considering the GOP’s historical stance against LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender] rights.

Sophomore Daniel Cota said LGBT people should have the same rights as anyone else, including being able to be open and serve in the military simultaneously. While Cota realized there will always be opposition to social acceptance of LGBT people, she said VCU has provided a very accepting environment.