Summary
The Pentagon has announced that over 800 military personnel discharged under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy have had their service records upgraded to honorable discharges. This change aims to rectify the historical discrimination faced by LGBTQ service members who were forced to conceal their sexual orientation to serve in the military.
The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, enacted in 1993, allowed LGBTQ individuals to serve in the armed forces as long as they did not disclose their sexual orientation. The policy was repealed in 2011, but many service members were discharged without honorable status, which affected their access to military benefits. The recent decision by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to upgrade the discharge status of these individuals is part of broader efforts by the Biden administration to address past injustices faced by LGBTQ service members. Approximately 13,500 personnel were discharged under DADT, and this upgrade signifies a significant step towards acknowledging and correcting the harms caused by discriminatory military policies.
Historical Context of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
- Implementation and Repeal: DADT was introduced as a compromise to allow LGBTQ individuals to serve in the military while keeping their identities secret. It was repealed in 2011, allowing open service.
- Impact on Service Members: The policy resulted in the discharge of thousands of service members, many of whom did not receive honorable discharges, which impacted their benefits and employment opportunities.
Recent Developments
- Upgrading Discharges: The Pentagon’s recent action to upgrade the discharge status of 851 individuals reflects ongoing efforts to redress the discrimination faced by LGBTQ service members.
- Broader Efforts: This move is part of a larger initiative by the Biden administration to address historical injustices in the military, including pardons for those convicted under discriminatory policies.
The Pentagon’s decision marks a significant acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by LGBTQ service members and aims to restore their honor and access to benefits that were previously denied.
Troops kicked out under 'don't ask, don't tell' upgraded to honorable discharges
Oct. 16 / Voanews / Provides a comprehensive account of the upgrade process, emphasizing the importance of restoring honor to those affected by DADT, while also addressing the need for continued advocacy for LGBTQ rights in the military. “ The Pentagon announced Tuesday that more than 800 military personnel have seen their service records upgraded to honorable discharges after previously being...
Troops kicked out under 'don't ask, don't tell' upgraded to honorable discharges
Oct. 16 / Voanews / Highlights the Pentagon's decision to upgrade discharges, providing essential historical context and emphasizing the ongoing commitment to rectifying injustices faced by LGBTQ service members under DADT. “ The Pentagon announced Tuesday that more than 800 military personnel have seen their service records upgraded to honorable discharges after previously being...
Troops kicked out under 'don't ask, don't tell' upgraded to honorable discharges
Oct. 16 / Voanews / Offers a comprehensive overview of the upgrades, contextualizing the DADT policy's impact on service members and discussing the broader implications for military policy under the Biden administration. “ The Pentagon announced Tuesday that more than 800 military personnel have seen their service records upgraded to honorable discharges after previously being...
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Oct. 16 / Time / Examines the historical roots of DADT and its repeal, detailing the significant changes made to military records, while also addressing the Biden administration's efforts to amend past injustices effectively. “ DALLAS — Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic Rep. Colin Allred met for their only debate Tuesday night, trading attacks over abortion and immigration in...
US military amends records of those discharged with ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Oct. 16 / Al Jazeera / Highlights the Pentagon's recent decision to upgrade discharge statuses, providing essential historical context on the DADT policy and its implications for LGBTQ service members, reinforcing ongoing efforts for equality. “ Defence secretary says the step helps to ‘redress the harms’ done by the policy, which forced LGBTQ service members to hide their identities. The United...
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Oct. 16 / Newsweek / Provides a succinct summary of the Pentagon's recent actions, emphasizing the high percentage of cases upgraded and the importance of these changes in restoring honor and access to benefits for affected personnel. “ A judge in Georgia blocked election officials from enacting a rule that would require poll workers to hand count ballots after polls close on November 5....
Georgia judge blocks election rule mandating hand-counting of ballots
Oct. 16 / Axios / Examines the historical context of DADT and the impact on service members' lives, while also discussing the recent upgrades, contributing to a deeper understanding of the military's evolving policies on LGBTQ rights. “ A new Georgia election rule that would require counties to hand count ballots in November's presidential election was temporarily blocked by a judge in the...
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Oct. 16 / Nbc News / Offers a clear overview of the changes made to military records under DADT, emphasizing the significance of these upgrades for affected service members and the broader implications for military policy under the Biden administration. “ Elon Musk has given nearly $75 million to America PAC, the super PAC he created to support former President Donald Trump , according to a campaign finance...
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Oct. 16 / Abc News / Details the Pentagon's actions to honor service members affected by DADT, contextualizing the upgrades within a broader narrative of historical injustices and the ongoing commitment to LGBTQ rights in the military. “ A Georgia judge blocked the controversial hand count rule that was passed by the state's Republican-led State Election Board from going into effect, finding...
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Oct. 16 / Investing Us / Explores the implications of the recent discharge upgrades, highlighting the significance of this action for LGBTQ service members and the broader movement toward equality within the military framework. “
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Oct. 16 / Marketwatch / Presents a succinct summary of the Pentagon's upgrades, touching on the historical roots of DADT and the ongoing efforts to address discrimination, making it a valuable resource for understanding military policy changes. “
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Oct. 16 / Raw Story / Focuses on the historic context of DADT and its repeal, detailing the impact on LGBTQ service members, while also addressing the Biden administration's efforts to amend past injustices in the military effectively. “ A discussion that veered into an argument over the effects of George Floyd’s death forced CNN anchor Abby Phillip to halt the panel to correct her Republican...
'Too much, too late': Georgia's hand-count ballot rule blocked amid 'fraught' election
Oct. 16 / Raw Story / Covers the Pentagon's proactive review process and the significant percentage of cases upgraded, reinforcing the commitment to rectify historical discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in military service. “ A Fulton County judge temporarily blocked a Georgia State Election board rule that required poll workers to count — by hand — ballots on Election night,...
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Oct. 16 / Cbs News / Focuses on the specifics of the upgrades, detailing the review process and the implications for affected service members, while also reinforcing the Pentagon's acknowledgment of past discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. “ Former President Donald Trump says he's not commenting on the question of whether he's spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin since he left office, after...
Trump won't say if he's spoken to Putin, but "if I did, it's a smart thing"
Oct. 16 / Cbs News / Discusses the Pentagon's significant decision to upgrade discharges, providing essential context and reflecting on the broader implications for LGBTQ service members, while emphasizing the importance of historical acknowledgment. “ Former President Donald Trump says he's not commenting on the question of whether he's spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin since he left office, after...