Retired Naval Capt. Michael Rankin called for the repeal of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy at last night's University Democrats' meeting. Cosponsored by Queer and Allied Activism, the forum aimed to spark discussion on the current issues surrounding the admittance of gays and lesbians into the military.
This forum came at a time shortly after the policy generated controversy. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently sparked controversy after calling homosexuality "immoral" and expressing support for the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
Rankin, a Vietnam War veteran, said though the military has become more tolerant since the 1970s, a large gap remains in benefits for servicemen.
"We need to implement these policies that protect all military [servicemen]," Rankin said. "We need a type of military where no one will be attacked whether you're straight, gay or lesbian."
Rankin said there are about 65,000 closeted servicemen currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. About 700 servicemen were dismissed in 2005 for disclosing their sexuality.
Rankin said he credits Pace with drawing attention to the military movement to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
"He brought up an issue that made people take a look at homophobia," Rankin said. "A lot of people don't like what they saw. We're going to make the best of what he said."
Rankin said in the coming months, a bill calling for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" will circulate through Congress. Despite this current effort, however, Rankin said he would be "ecstatic" if the policy is rescinded within five years.
QuAA President Wyatt Fore said the goal of the forum was to educate the University on the "ridiculousness" of the policy.
QuAA wanted to "show students the idea that the vast majority of Americans oppose this policy," Fore said.
Second-year College student Grayson Lambert said while the forum may have been educational, it was misleading in its assertion that the policy is contested by many.
"The 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy has the support of our generals and our soldiers," Lambert said, noting that citizens "have the responsibility to do what is necessary to make our military ... strong both in terms of resources and cohesion"
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