37th Annual Student Research Conference
Policy Formulation of the Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010
Seth C. Jarvis
Dr. Randy Hagerty, Faculty Mentor
The passage of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010 was a landmark moment for the American LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Movement. Before its passage LGBTQ+ people were restricted from serving openly in the military, and intense debate surrounded the inclusion of open LGBTQ+ in service branches. I have examined the policy formulation process of the DADT Act of 2010, conducting a thorough review of all major hearings, floor debates, and public documents regarding DADT. From this review, I follow the evolution of repeal policy from the 110th Congress to the 111th. I discuss the major perspectives for and against the repeal, with debates centering around the impact of repeal on unit cohesion, military readiness, skilled military workers, and ideals of equality. Additionally, I describe the role a Department of Defense Working Group, tasked with reviewing the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy, had in influencing the final policy.
Keywords: Military, Don't Ask Don't Tell, Civil Rights, LGBTQ+, Congress, Policy, Department of Defense
Topic(s):Political Science
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 303-2
Location: SUB Georgian B
Time: 1:00