Law Commons^™

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" - Except In A Job Interview: The Discriminatory Effect Of The Policy On A Veteran's Employment, Amanda Alquist Pope

Legislation and Policy Brief

A United States military veteran’s ability to receive benefits, such as preference in federal employment is, in part, based upon the reason for discharge. Lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) members of the military may be dishonorably discharged under the “policy concerning homosexuality in the armed forces,” commonly referred to as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT). Under this policy, the reason for discharge on a service member’s papers may be listed as “homosexual conduct,” “homosexual act,” or “homosexual admission.” One major discriminatory effect of this policy is that, given the narrative reason that appears on the dis-charge form, this policy effectively …