University of Rhode Island

Faculty Senate

Kingston, Rhode Island

On April 28, 2005 the Faculty Senate adopted the following resolution:

WHEREAS

The University of Rhode Island is committed to furthering, to the fullest possible extent, the principles of full tolerance and respect for all individuals both on its own campus and In the state and nation beyond; and

WHEREAS

The University states, in its legally binding equal opportunity policy, that “The University of Rhode Island prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national origin, handicap, or sexual orientation, and discrimination against disabled and Vietnam Era veterans, in the recruitment, admission, or treatment of students . . . "; and

WHEREAS

There are questions and urgent concerns about our commitment to our principles when our policies are violated and not enforced with respect to sexual orientation, specifically the use of the office and services of Career Services on the URI campus by military recruiters and interviewers who must follow the so-called "Don't ask, don't tell" policy affecting gays in the military; yet

WHEREAS

The University is obliged to follow applicable Federal laws in this matter, putting us in conflict with our avowed principles;

THEREFORE

We urge vehemently that the President of the University inform the Rhode Island Congressional delegation of our opposition to the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy and to work with them and other Federal lawmakers to eliminate this policy in favor of one which does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.