Editorial: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
From Stony Brook Press Issue: October 28, 1999

We imagine ourselves to be an enlightened and diverse campus community.  Most ethnic groups have
their own organization on campus, and gay students are represented by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender Alliance (LGBTA).  We hope that an institution of higher learning, those whose lifestyles go
against the grain of mainstream society can be safe from harassment and brutality they may encounter in
the outside world.  However, the allegation, by an LGBTA member, accusing an Army officer recruiting
on campus of harassment, has forced us to reconsider whether our campus is indeed a safe haven for those
whose lifestyles may clash with the ideals of mainstream society.  If these allegations are proven to be
true, they should not be excused or tolerated on this campus by Administration.

It would seem having a gay organization table next to a United States Army table would be a
manifestation of the ideals of diversity that Stony Brook touts.  One might assume that these two
organizations, while perhaps not necessarily liking what the other stood for, would at least be outwardly
respectful toward each other.

If true, what makes this incident even more reprehensible is that the student was making the allegations
alone.  Consequently, he would have no means of defending himself against a bunch of burly Army guys,
making the University more akin to a high school locker room than an institution of higher learning.  It is
shocking and appalling to think that an adult might resort to such chicanery in order to impose his bigoted
beliefs on another individual.

Organizations are given the right to table in public areas on campus to make their presence known and to
attract new students.  That an off-campus organization, like the Army is allowed to set up shop here is a
privilege that they should take seriously.  If they saw fit to bestow their narrow-minded rhetoric at a place
that’s supposed to be an open-minded as Stony Brook, it is a serious offense that can not be overlooked.

The Army has been temporarily banned from tabling in the Union until they complete their own
investigation of the matter.  If the allegations against them prove to be substantiated, the Army, or at least
the particular branch that the guilty party comes from, should be banned from campus permanently.  If the
Administration believes that these allegations are true, they must take a definitive stand.  They have to
send a clear message that bigotry against ANYONE, regardless of their lifestyle choices, will not be
tolerated on this campus. Stony Brook must protect the rights of the “diverse” student body that it claims
to be so proud of.

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