Harvard Will Let ROTC on Campus If Gay Ban Is Repealed

Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust has said that the school will resume a long-banned Reserve Officer Training Corps program when federal law allows gays to serve openly in the military.

Faust has spoken before about bringing ROTC back pending repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” She emphasized her position Wednesday in introducing Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who spoke at the Ivy League school.

Faust said Harvard is prepared to “fully and formally” recognize ROTC when all students have “the privilege and honor of military service” without having to lie. Her comments, first reported by the Harvard Crimson, come as talk of a repeal heats up in Washington.

Harvard has not allowed ROTC on campus since 1969.