Don't ask, don't tell

I have an idea. Let's make some exceptions to the anti-discrimination policy of Tufts University. We'll begin by awarding academic credit to ROTC cadets from Tufts who, by their own accord, participate in a comprehensive military program open to all able-bodied students (provided they abstain from "homosexual conduct"). Sure, it might disregard Tufts' core institutional values, but who really cares? All that stands between this group and the academic credit it "deserves" is a horde of homos with gripes about don't ask, don't tell. But discrimination is acceptable in matters of convenience such as this! Does it matter that cadets are eligible to receive up to $92,000 in tuition-paid scholarships simply by taking a few specific courses that "everyone else" must pay for? Does this fact merit any discussion, especially since certain qualified Tufts students are prohibited from these scholarships unless they renounce their identities? Nah. ROTC cadets from Tufts are really the ones being punished!

While the above statement may seem outrageous, it reflects the voice of the Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate through a recent resolution urging Tufts faculty to accept ROTC credits from Tufts cadets training at MIT. The resolution refuses to acknowledge the issues of equal opportunity and access that LGBT students face when they are denied participation in ROTC. The fourth line item declares: "WHEREAS, these courses are open to any and all students regardless of race, gender, religion, and/or sexual orientation..." As a gay man, I could theoretically enroll in the same courses. However, assuming the Tufts faculty agrees with the TCU Senate and decides to accept credits from ROTC, equal opportunity disappears.

The ROTC website states it clearly: "One of the best ways to improve your chances of winning a three- or two-year scholarship is to participate in Army ROTC classes before applying for a scholarship." The meaning of one academic credit in this case significantly increases access to Tufts University for an ROTC cadet, but not for me -- a gay man who may happen to qualify despite my sexual orientation. This scenario endorses an unacceptable "separate but equal" treatment of cadets versus LGBT students. What if I suddenly became unable to finance my education? ROTC is not an option, even if I take the same courses.

History is littered with examples of discriminatory policies that beget economic insecurity. Despite this, many ROTC cadets respond by asserting that they had no control over such a reprehensible policy, so "Why should we be punished?" No one is denying that ROTC cadets put forth a great deal of effort to partake in extra classes and physical training. In the end, however, this issue is more about principle than punishment.

If Tufts faculty ever awarded credit to any course taken as part of ROTC, the anti-discrimination policy would ring hollow: "It is the policy of the University not to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation... in the administration of its scholarship and loan programs..." When the very same academic credit elevates one group of students to a higher level of active citizenship and public service above another qualified group, the core mission of this university is compromised. Thus, when the TCU Senate released its resolution to the student body, it also released its credibility into the wind.

Through a colossal failure of leadership and inability to communicate with its committees, the TCU Senate marginalized the LGBT community. It comes down to this: Some senators knew more than others well before the vote, and those senators neglected to communicate with leaders of the LGBT community from within and outside of the TCU Senate. This inability to communicate contributed to the adoption of this resolution.

David Taylor's actions are unbecoming of someone who purports to stand for America and the democratic principles it espouses. He ignored (or was ignorant of) the initiation of talks among ROTC cadets in Tufts Joint Operations (TJO), TTLGBC, and Emerge. Any fledging trust established between TJO and LGBT community leaders nearly evaporated due to his actions. His claim that the Tufts anti-discrimination policy is discriminatory against students who participate in a program that is, by its nature, discriminatory, is patently absurd. If Tufts "hated" ROTC cadets so much, it would not accept ROTC scholarships. Yet, if Tufts took this position, it could risk losing federally funded research and construction grants.

I attended the TCU Senate meeting, being asked to do so at the last minute. I left before it ended, simply because senators amending the resolution did not acknowledge "don't ask, don't tell," or the scholarship money that ROTC cadets receive. Why debate a resolution that does not acknowledge my inequality? In the meantime, Taylor used the meeting to weave together flimsy theories regarding the transfer of economics/business courses that ROTC cadets take (Tufts may not have equivalent departments or courses). Not a shred of tangible information was presented. His blanket statements about "fairness" and distaste for "don't ask, don't tell," were insufficient. Taylor may favor LGBT rights, but there is no place for his sentiment in the military.

Nonetheless, the efforts of TJO in meeting with representatives of TTLGBC and Emerge are welcomed, and discussions amongst the groups will hopefully add to a mutual understanding of LGBT issues within the military. If there is any disagreement, even with the philosophy espoused in this viewpoint, let's talk about it! Taylor is also welcome to contribute to any future meetings, if he feels so inclined. In the end, the Tufts community should work toward some type agreement using informed opinions and by learning from the history of ROTC/LGBT issues at Tufts.

The TCU Senate's reckless approval of this resolution was a slap in the face to many in the LGBT community. We deserve better.

Matthew Pohl is a junior majoring in political science and Middle Eastern studies. He is a co-coordinator of Emerge, an LGBT political organization at Tufts.