News Releases

Maine Law Students Join Drive to Change Military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy

March 13, 2007

Contact: David Albright, Vice-President LGBT Law Caucus
University of Maine School of Law
E-mail david.albright@maine.edu

In an effort led by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Law Caucus of the University of Maine School of Law, as well as other law schools around the country, students across the state are participating in a drive to change the United States Armed Forces "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The policy prohibits homosexuals from being open about their sexuality while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Students across the state of Maine are being asked to sign letters requesting that their representatives in congress support the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would implement a policy of non-discrimination in the United States Armed Forces, effectively repealing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The students involved with the LGBT Law Caucus are setting up tables to create awareness and find support at the USM Woodbury Campus Center on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 and Wednesday, March 21, 2007 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The LGBT Law Caucus already received majority support from the University of Maine School of Law student body and is working with groups at the University of Maine at Orono, Farmington, Presque Isle, and Machias, as well as Bates College, and Colby College to get support from their student bodies. The President of the LGBT Law Caucus, Brian Tweed, and Vice President, David Albright, hope to fly down to Washington D.C. on March 25 and 26, to participate in the Service Members Legal Defense Network Lobby Day. While in Washington they hope to meet with Senator Snowe and Senator Collins to discuss the issues related to the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, and the support to repeal the failing policy.

For more information, please contact LGBT Law Caucus Vice-President David Albright at david.albright@maine.edu. Additionally, members of the LGBT Law Caucus will be available for comment on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Woodbury Campus Center on USM's Portland campus.

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