Minorities Half of DADT Discharges

Servicemembers United, a national organization in support of gay and lesbian troops and veterans and their straight allies, released data obtained from the Department of Defense today showing that racial and ethnic minorities made up nearly half of military discharges under don't ask, don't tell (DADT) in fiscal year 2008.

Of the 619 total Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines DADT discharges in FY08, 279 (or just over 45%) were non-white. The Coast Guard discharged an additional 21 servicemembers under DADT, but the branch has not released data of ethnic makeup.

Women have also been largely affected by the DADT ban on gays and lesbians in the military. While women comprise approximately 15% of the armed forces, they made up more than a third (34%) of DADT discharges.

The Obama Administration has been under increased pressure from LGBT rights advocates to reverse the inequitable policy. In September of 2010, the policy will be challenged in U.S. District Court by Air Force Maj. Margaret Witt, a 19-year veteran nurse discharged under DADT.

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