‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is the military term referring to the policy regarding gays and lesbians.  The policy, signed in 1993 by former president Bill Clinton, was implemented as a compromise with legislature which opposed a repeal of the prior ban on gays in the military.

Established under the premise of privacy, discretion and protection, the policy bans gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender people from serving in the military and prevents military officials from asking interrogatory questions or pursuing investigations of soldiers suspected of being homosexuals, and any service member that openly reveals their homosexuality through words or actions is discharged from service.

This policy also applies to members of the University’s ROTC.

Robert Rudd, staff sergeant (ret.) and a major in political science, said that military officials cannot ask if someone is homosexual, but if they find out otherwise, the person in question will be given a dishonorable discharge.

“We can’t ask and you don’t have to tell us, but if we find out that that you have a legal partnership with another a partner of the same sex then you will be discharged from all armed forces,” Rudd said. 

He also said that when people find out they are going to be deployed they are more likely to admit or pretend they are gay just to diverge being deployed.

Rudd said, “People who don’t want to be deployed will say they are gay.”

Controversy has risen around the level of protection this policy does, or does not, offer homosexuals.

The policy, according to Rudd, is indisputable since all cadets willingly sign the policy knowing the consequences.

However, earlier this month President Barack Obama affirmed his pledge to end the ban on homosexuals serving openly in the military, but offered no timetable or specifics for acting on that promise.

“We should not be punishing patriotic Americans who have stepped forward to serve the country,” Obama said. “We should be celebrating their willingness to step forward and show such courage, especially when we are fighting two wars.”

Matt Woodward, member of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community at the University, said that if people want to see the policy banned they should not just demand it; they should help advocate their opinions so that change can be possible. 

Woodward said, “If your senator doesn’t know what you want, how can they vote in favor of your proposed change?”

He also said that he believes people should not have to hide their sexuality just so they can fight for their country.

“I don’t think anyone should have to hide their true self to represent, and fight for, their country.  Instead I envision an America that promotes diversity, social justice and mutual respect,” Woodward said. 

When the policy was established 16 years ago, it was for the protection of homosexuals, not for heterosexuals. 

Homosexuals were often the target for harassment and the policy was meant to alleviate some of the stress they faced, but since the policy has been in effect, it has caused more stress on the psychological state of homosexuals due to the denial they are forced to live in.

Over the past 16 years that the policy has been alive, nearly 12,000 soldiers have been discharged due to the discovery of their homosexual acts.

One student believes that the policy was established to defend homosexuals and thinks that keeping this secret from officials while serving your country is better than being discharged if the soldier is really dedicated to serving his or her country.

Riki Iverson, a senior in public relations, said, “I think the policy is in use for their own protection, and it does not necessarily mean they cannot serve in the armed forces.  I think that once people become less homophobic, then people will be allowed to more comfortably admit their homosexuality.”