EDITORIAL: Arm's Length

A compromise solution couldA compromise solution couldsolve the University's stickyA compromise solution couldsolve the University's stickyROTC problemA compromise solution couldsolve the University's stickyROTC problem______________________________ This means that the University will be distancing itself from ROTC -- a program that many find unacceptable because of the Department of Defense's ban on lesbians and gays serving in the military, which violates the University's anti-discrimination policy. At the same time, an "arm's length" compromise would ensure that students could still receive ROTC scholarships to attend the University. Banning the program outright would have deprived many of the chance for an Ivy League education. Under the proposed agreement, students would no longer receive credit for ROTC courses, program directors would not receive faculty privileges and the U.S. Department of Defense would have to rent building space currently provided free of charge by the Unviersity. While these changes present a serious inconvenience to those involved in the program, they are necessary for the University's integrity to remain intact, at least when it come to anti-discrimination policies. Now the ball is in the Department of Defense's court. Concerns over added costs and increased complications to students and faculty need to be addressed. After Washington University decided to implement a similar policy, the Department of Defense decided to drop the program altogether, citing "lack of cooperation" and failure to meet their mission. We hope the University's program won't suffer the same fate -- not only do they provide the opportunity to receive an education to countless students, they also have a nationally known track record of excellence and professionalism.