Don't Keep "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Authors

  • Yihana von Ritter Stanford student

Keywords:

Don't Ask Don't Tell, gay rights, military, critical analysis

Abstract

Arguments in support of the US military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy restricting soldiers' openness about sexual orientation are heavily flawed: they fail to define key terms, treat groups differently without just cause, and overlook highly relevant facts. While those pushing to ban the policy also present a flawed argument, those issues are less severe and are resolvable. Policymakers should heed those who wish to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" because their argument is much more credible and convincing. This essay provides background information on the policy and present the arguments on each side of the debate. Each argument is critically analyzed to reveal weaknesses, and the argument against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" proves to be stronger.

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Published

2010-10-25

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2010)

Section

Special Essay Section: Ethics and Public Policy

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