So What Do You Do Now?

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously on March 6, 2006 that the federal government can withhold federal funds from college campuses that restrict or bar military recruitment on campus.  The court rejected the opinion that the Solomon Amendment was unconstitutional and unduly restricted First Amendment rights to exclude recruiters whose hiring practices were in conflict with campus nondiscrimination policies.

For over a decade, the Solomon Amendment warned campuses that federal funding, including necessary financial aid for students, could be withdrawn from colleges and universities if military recruiters were not allowed to recruit on campus. With the lawsuit pending, many campuses continued taking stances and efforts to hamper military recruitment as a way to enforce their non-discrimination policies including sexual orientation for gays and lesbians. The efforts were in direct reaction to the discriminatory practice of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy which does not allow gays to openly serve in the military.

But with the recent U.S. Supreme court ruling, what do you do now?

Many campuses will have no choice but to allow military recruiters access.  The risk of losing federal funds is not an option for most, if not all campuses.   Nevertheless, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling was not a surprise for most on the issue.  The federal government as a long-standing practice has been able to restrict and tie federal funds to specific actions by those receiving the funds.  While the decision has a direct impact on campus nondiscrimination statements inclusive of sexual orientation, the ruling should not be construed as a loss for gay and lesbian rights on campus.  Instead, colleges and universities should turn attention to the real issue – the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. 

For decades campuses have transformed the political landscape of society through challenging prevalent norms and practices.  Student leaders, faculty, staff and administrators have yet another opportunity to change society with efforts to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”  At a time of war, the policy is truly at a hypocritical climax when U.S. soldiers fight along side other countries who openly allow gays and lesbians to serve in the military.

The time has come.  Together we can target the real issue – the discrimination of the U.S. military. Here are some suggested strategies of what your campus can do:

Do Ask, Do Tell – Actively protest against the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.  Plan your demonstrations or campaign on the same days of the military recruitment on campus.

Can the Ban – Initiate a campaign against the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.  Encourage opinion editorials in newspapers, letters to legislators, student government resolutions, and signature/postcard drives.

Tell Local Stories – Plan educational events and awareness activities that highlight stories of past alumni who have been kicked out of the military for being gay or lesbian.  These could consist of panels, brown bag discussions, rallies, etc.

We Want YOU – Send a statement against the military recruitment by making recruiters feel unwelcome on campus. One option might be to sign up for an interview and then at the end tell the recruiter that you are gay and would not be allowed to serve openly.  Straight allies could do the same thing and state that they would not serve in an organization that recriminates against gay and lesbian citizens.

Support Service Members Legal Defense Network – Participate in SLDN activities and campaigns as well as campus fundraising for SLDN to draw attention to the issue and support gay and lesbian service members.

Keeping the issue alive and in the forefront is the key!  Be relentless to make your voice heard loud and queer on campus.  Share your efforts so we can tell other campuses by emailing info@campuspride.org.