The debate over whether the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program should return to Harvard continued last night with a student debate sponsored by the Harvard Political Union. Arguments over whether the program ought to be recognized by the University continued to center around the Pentagon’s policy toward transgender and intersex-identified individuals.
The conversation—which included about 25 students—focused on Congress’ recent repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which prohibited gay, lesbian, and bi-sexual individuals from openly serving in the military, and whether that ought to bring an end to Harvard’s 40-year standoff with ROTC.
“President Drew Faust acknowledged that Harvard would be receptive to welcoming ROTC back to campus, but current barriers to Harvard’s official recognition of ROTC include a lack of student interest and a potential violation of Harvard’s non-discrimination policy,” said Sidhant Misra ’14, adding that transgender and intersex-identified individuals are currently excluded from enlisting in the military.
Representing the Harvard Republican Club, Derek J. Bekebrede ’13 sparked debate by stating that ROTC should be recognized on campus to honor students serving their country.
Read the full story at the Harvard Crimson.
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