Diversiology.IO reposted this
Owner Frison Law Firm, P.C.| Retired Judge at Massachusetts Superior Court | U.S. Marine | Speaker | DEI Expert
You may have missed this news today with the light treatment it has been given in the media. But, this is huge. The Pentagon today granted honorable discharges to more than 800 veterans who were separated from the U.S. military (under other than honorable characterizations) because of their sexual orientation during the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which was in effect from 1994 to 2011. I served on active duty during this period. Not only did I suffer the effects of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," but as a military prosecutor, I was also expected to conduct administrative separation hearings of Marines because of their sexual orientation. This was a betrayal of everything I knew about justice and of who I am. It was one of the main reasons I left active duty. I applaud the Pentagon for this decision and effort to right these wrongs. These servicemembers should never have been involuntarily discharged, and their characterizations should always have been honorable. "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Thank you for sharing and bringing visibly to this important issue. Service is a calling, no matter your gender, orientation, race, color, or creed.
I believe the don't ask, don't tell policy started back during the Regan administration in the mid 1980's.
congratulations! well deserved honorable discharge! thank you for your service!
"[Contemporary debates about economic justice] provides a new perspective on the history of inequality based on a strong conviction forged in the course of my research: the advance toward equality is a battle that began long ago and needs only to be continued in the 21st century, provided that all participate in it and that we break with the divisions based on racial and cultural identity and on disciplines that too often prevent us from moving forward. Thomas Piketty who began his professional life as a classically trained economist has transitioned into one of the most compelling proponents of universal equality and has marshalled the data to prove it is both inevitable and the highest point of civilisation. (Piketty, A Brief History of Inequality, 2022) This reparation is a step in a long journey to remedy the wrongs wrought by petty and baseless discrimination.
And this is done in the same month, close to, as National Coming Out day which was Oct 11th. Any step forward towards progress is good progress. And a reminder to everyone GOTV. If you want change, participate in the process. There is so much work left to do. Every generation deserves better.
Thank you for posting this. I am happy that the service members had their cases reversed. I served 30 yrs as an MP in the US Army. During my time in the Army, I was targeted 6 times before and after the Don't Ask Dont Tell policy. I was illegally charged with "sodomy" on four occasions, which I survived. I was forced to take an FBI polygraph for a case that I had nothing to do with. Once a person is labeled, the tail follows a person throughout their career. I retired after 30 years as a Battalion Command Sergent Major, but it was a continuous challenge. I stayed steadfast throughout the CID investigations, which forced me to hire a civilian lawyer. I am currently writing my Doctor of Criminal Justice dissertation at National University and will begin to prepare for my oral defense in March 2025. After I graduate, one of the items on my agenda is to write a book on my experiences while serving in silence. Also, to work with victims who served under conditions that encompassesd racial disparities, and targeting gay people, preventing them from attaining promotions, and other opportunities for being flagged. The government must be held accountable for their actions. Thank you for all you do Honorable Judge. Best, Debbie
Most of my closest friends were of the LGBTQIA+ community and I always loved the fact they knew they could be themselves around me! It is because of them that I consider myself an Ally and safe place and have my 🏳️🌈 within my name on here! So many people signed up to protect a country that won’t even protect them…. Crazy I tell ya! 🧘🏽
Chairman & CEO @ World dBank Corp
2moI noticed the injustice in 1994 first hand when I was a Commanding Officer in the Navy. I had a 1st Class Petty Officer pop positive for THC on a random drug test. I was the Judge and Jury (UCMJ). This PO was a stellar performer, he could of easily been sailor of the year in our command. His roots were not ideal, being an African American he saw prejudice often. He did not get many breaks in life if any! During Captain's Mast, (court), he confessed he was gay and tested positive for HIV to me. My first internal reaction was, oh know, not good. I was boxed in, he was to receive a dishonorable discharge by DoD law. The reason for the 'oh know' I most likely held his life in my hands. I realized that a dishonorable discharge he would have zero VA benefits. So I thought about it, discussed with Master Chief and XO of our command. I also included our command JAG. I did call DC and laid a hypothetical to a Navy 06, personnel officer. I took it no further than that. Additional thought I recommended him for a General Discharge allowing him to retain his VA medical status, allowing him to receive the drugs to combat the HIV. I retired from being the CO. Fast forward 15 years later, I run into him at the base gym. He was alive and well.