What was the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy? Which presidential administration proffered this policy? What was the reaction to this policy? What is the current status of the policy?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

This policy was established during the Clinton administration to guide the treatment of homosexuals in the military. It suggested that recruiters refrain from asking recruits about their sexual orientation, and that those being recruited to the military refrain from sharing information about their sexual preferences. There would be no effort on the part of the military to seek out gays within its ranks so long as those individuals did nothing that was detrimental to the morale or good conduct of their unit. As is typical with social value issues, the compromise did not satisfy the opposing sides. The gay community felt betrayed by Clinton, that he had reneged on his commitments once elected and faced with opposition. Many military leaders believed the policy did undermine discipline and morale and that a president who had no military experience had intervened in an unacceptable manner. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was repealed in 2011 so that more homosexual recruits would be accepted into the military.