NEW: Brown Reopens Debate on ROTC, Athletic Cuts
Monday, September 19, 2011
Last spring College Hill was embroiled in controversy surrounding the potential reinstatement of an ROTC program, as well as the announcement of drastic cuts to various athletic programs. Things settled down over the summer, but with school back in session the issues have reemerged, with Ruth Simmons sending out a public letter addressing both.
ROTC: Unlikely
The debate over ROTC began following President Obama’s repeal of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy last December. Prior to the repeal, Brown’s primary objection to ROTC was the military’s refusal to admit openly gay, lesbian and transgender members—which comes in direct violation to Brown’s non-discrimination policy.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTUpon the repeal, Simmons commissioned a special committee to explore the possibility of reinstating ROTC. Their formal recommendation was submitted after the close of the academic year, but Simmons openly publicized it again today.
"On questions like these, which are of compelling interest to students and many alumni, Brown is proactive about seeking student reflection, discussion and comment," an administration official told GoLocalProv.
For the most part, the committee reaffirmed the school’s commitment to its 1969 resolutions, which established that any ROTC program is an extracurricular activity, and that instructors should not be granted formal Brown professorships.
Furthermore, the committee suggested that there may be inadequate student interest to even warrant a program—pointing out that any students interested are already permitted to participate in the ROTC program offered by Providence College.
Finally, the report contended that since an Army ROTC program is already available in Providence, there was no need to reproduce the same opportunity at Brown. However, "a majority, but not all the members" of the committee did recommend the school look into other military opportunities currently unavailable to students—such as Naval or Air Force ROTC programs. Any expansions in this regard would first be proposed to the university's faculty.
Put simply: the report did not recognize a powerful and overriding reason to reinstitute a full-fledged Army ROTC program at Brown. Nevertheless, no definitive decision has been made, and the conversation still remains open, with Simmons encourages further input from the student body. She is scheduled to take her recommendation to the Corporation this October, where a final decision will hopefully be reached.
Sports Teams on The Chopping Block
ROTC wasn’t the only controversial issue breached by Simmons today, the President also sent out a letter formally reopening the debate surrounding the proposed cut of four varsity sports teams.
Last spring, in the face of budget cuts and mounting costs, the Brown Athletic Review Committee proposed a plan which included both cutting teams and decreasing the reserved admission spots for athletes.
The sudden decision was met with heavy opposition from student athletes, especially those on the affected teams—men’s and women’s fencing, men’s wrestling, and women’s skiing.
In the face of student protest, Simmons postponed the issue, “in order to allow students to focus on completing their course requirements rather than on organizing a response to the report.”
The administration was clear that neither issue is definitively resolved, and that everything is still open for debate.
"In her e-mails to the campus community, President Simmons asked for additional thought, consideration, and responses. She will consider this campus discussion as she prepares her report for the October meeting of the Corporation," said an adminstration official.
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