More than 30 years ago, at the height of the Vietnam War, Harvard University sent its Reserve Officer Training Corps program into exile. Now, with the United States embroiled in a new conflict, the status of the ROTC is again under scrutiny in Cambridge.
Citing the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy as discriminatory on the basis of sexual orientation, Harvard cut funds to ROTC in 1995, saying the military policy violated school's non-discrimination policy.
Undergraduates who are interested in the national service may attend drills and classes at the nearby Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In return for scholarships covering up to full tuition, participants agree to accept a military commission after graduation.
The cross-town training "doesn't bother" Midship-man 2nd Class Stephen Bosco, a junior at Harvard, but, he added, "I would like to see . . . Harvard recognize ROTC."
Advocates of Harvard ROTC would like nothing better.
David Clayman, Harvard class of 1938 and founder of the alumni group advocating a renewed ROTC presence at Harvard, said he collected nearly 1,000 signatures and expects even more for a petition asking Harvard to recognize military-science programs.
Clayman said he plans to present the petition to newly installed president Lawrence Summers.
"The new president has made a few comments which seemed kind of encouraging," Bosco said. "It seemed like he had the right attitude."
Harvard spokesman Joe Wrinn said Summers "has shown great personal and institutional support for the students and the program itself." Wrinn added, however, that Summers is committed to "holding up the principle of non-discrimination."
While Harvard's administration may not change its official stance on ROTC, Bosco said that "by far, most of the students have been very supportive." Harvard's Undergraduate Council even recommended recognition of ROTC four years ago, but the administration ignored that proposal.
Recently, council member John Bash called attention to the issue but was rebuffed by other council members who feared the issue would be too divisive.
Training costs for the 43 students enrolled in Navy, Army and Air Force ROTC at Harvard total approximately $135,000, Wrinn said. Harvard seeks out alumni to cover costs by donating money to an independent group, so that a party not associated with Harvard signs the checks, he said.
"We haven't been discussing policy," Wrinn added. "We're comfortable with the current arrangement."
Read More
Five percent of Class of 2029 identify as Black or African-American, lowest since 1968
Sena ChangIn the Class of 2029, 5 percent of students identified as Black or African American — the lowest share in many years, compared to the roughly seven to nine percent range in the past two decades.
In the Class of 2029, 5 percent of students identified as Black or African American — the lowest share in many years, compared to the roughly seven to nine percent range in the past two decades.
‘Fast and powerful in the water, steady and sure on land’: Friends and family remember Kerry Grundlingh ’27
Hayk YengibaryanKerry Grundlingh ’27 was 21 when she died on July 26 following a cycling accident in her hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Kerry Grundlingh ’27 was 21 when she died on July 26 following a cycling accident in her hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Princeton Town Council discusses graffiti at Jewish Center and affordable housing
Leela HenslerTown Council addresses recent reports of antisemitic graffiti in public spaces, discusses an ordinance to expand affordable housing, and proposals from local youth to lower the voting age for school board elections.
Town Council addresses recent reports of antisemitic graffiti in public spaces, discusses an ordinance to expand affordable housing, and proposals from local youth to lower the voting age for school board elections.