Campus Pride releases this statement today regarding the presence of ROTC programs on college campuses in the face of continued anti-transgender discrimination:

Campus Pride stands with organizations like the National Center for Transgender Equality and students at college campuses across the country who have raised awareness of continued discrimination against transgender people in the United States armed forces.

In his state of the union address, President Obama called on colleges and universities to reopen their campuses to ROTC programs now that the 1993 "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law has been repealed. Though Campus Pride acknowledges the positive impact DADT repeal will have on our country and on the lives of untold numbers of young lesbian, gay and bisexual people currently serving in either the armed services or in ROTC programs, we must recognize that there are still others who are barred from serving their country openly and with integrity.

Students, faculty and staff at colleges and universities across the nation who truly value the equality and dignity of all their students are taking a continued stand to keep ROTC programs at bay until all Americans can serve. Campus Pride praises their efforts, leadership and vision.

More information:
"The job is not done: US military still discriminates", National Center for Transgender Equality, 1/25/2011
Joint Statement re: DADT and transgender people, SLDN and National Center for Transgender Equality, July 2010
"Obama to end ‘Don’t Ask’ this year", Washington Blade, 1/26/2011
"Despite Obama’s Call, No Rush in R.O.T.C.’s Return to Campus", New York Times, 1/27/2011