UW-Stout goes against students and lawmakers to out ROTC

[Sabriel]

The University of Wisconsin-Stout chancellor denied the Army ROTC application for a campus program:

<snip> In a May 6 e-mail to UW-Stout staff, Chancellor Charles Sorenson announced his decision, basing it on the Reserve Officer Training Corp's policy of not accepting openly gay students.

"I do not think, in good conscience, we can invite an organization to campus that discriminates against anyone because of sexual orientation. At a time when we are promoting diversity and tolerance, ROTC would send quite a different message."

More info here: http://rivertowns.net/

I hope this sends a message, but I see from my email in the last minute that the UW System President is taking a look at it with help from legal counsel....

(edited to fix weird headline problem)

[underpants]

1. How did you get a subject line that long?

WOW

[Sabriel]

2. I don't give away trade secrets! n/t

[rodeodance]

3. the red cider river valley is rather RED but glad this Chancellor

said NO.


However, for Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls, the diversity argument given by the Sorenson should then apply to funding.

"Apparently, they will be tolerant of the federal government, who prescribes the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy, when the checks are in the mail, but not when it is time to train the men and women of our military," said Harsdorf.

According to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, UW -Stout received $16.3 million in federal gifts and grants this year.

"If they want to take a principled stand against the federal government's policy, give back the federal funding instead of holding our military men and women to a special standard," she added.

[Sabriel]

4. I don't understand her argument

What's she saying, that if you deny one aspect of the federal government, you have to deny them all? Where's the logic in that argument?

[Trillo]

5. I don't read it as being about a "special standard"

but rather about an equitable standard for everyone.

[davidinalameda]

6. the financial aid people don't discriminate

and I'm guessing the other branches don't either when it comes to hiring practices

this is about the military's hiring practices, pure and simple

any other federally funded program would allow any student regardless of sexual orientation, but ROTC doesn't

[TheMightyFavog]

7. Waitn until the Wisconsin RW Echo Chamber gets a hold of this...

The LTTEs attacking Stout will come rolling in.