GALOR objects to ROTC ' s conflict with university policy

Rice administrators had no response this week to students protesting that Rice's Naval ROTC conflicts with university policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual preference. Attention was called to the controversial issue in a letter sent to President Malcolm Gillis and all seven trustees of the Board of Governors by the Gays and Lesbians of Rice. The letter, also published in the Aug. 27 Thresher, stated that since the ROTC's exclusion of homosexuals violates university policy, "Rice is obligated to take action to either correct or eliminate the offending program." Rice's policy states, T h e r e is no discrimination whatsoever on the basis of sex, sexual preference, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or veteran status." That policy applies to Rice's admissions and student activities. "[Gillis] affirms George Rupp's policy," said Carl MacDowell, assistant to the president Then-President George Rupp implemented the above policy of nondiscrimination. Armed Forces secretaries will release guidelines Oct 1 for military programs adjusting to President Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell" policy for gays in the military. MacDowell said. "Necessarily, we're going to want to see what's in that text of Oct 1," MacDowell said. He said Gillis has read the letter but is waiting for the release before making a decision. Board of Governors Trustee J. Evans Atwell confirmed that the letter was sent to him but said he had not yet read it and could not comment. Other trustees were unavailable for comment Capt Quentin Masters, head of the Naval Science Department, said it is up to the university to make any decisions. T h e naval science classes are open to everyone at Rice, even those who aren't in ROTC," Masters said. "Personally, from that standpoint I don't see any conflict" Masters also pointed out that applicants to ROTC must apply to ROTC and the university separately. The Naval Policy Book does not refer to sexual orientation, but ROTC is subject to Department of Defense regulations. The Policy Book states, "Wc are committed to honesty and integrity, recognizing that the public trust and defense of the nation requires the highest standards of moral conduct "We do not tolerate illegal or improper behavior or even the appearance of such behavior." GALOR Co-director J.J. McCoy, a Brown College senior, said the group has no plan of action to call further attention to the issues raised in the letter. "We don't do anything as a group politically," McCoy said. "I don't know how receptive the administration will be, but I have to ask that Rice abide by its policy, and that would involve removing ROTC from campus." " I'm looking for Rice to go on record on this issue," McCoy said. "From my ROTC members get in their daily dose of push-ups Wednesday at 5:30 a.m. in front of the Shepherd School of Music.