Stephen Vossler, a former Korean interpreter for the Army and a "don't ask, don't tell" repeal activist, also testified on Wednesday. Early in his military career, Vossler, who is straight, was given a room assignment with Darren Thomas, a soldier who was in the process of being discharged under DADT. Vossler said his roommate was highly qualified in his work as a language specialist but was given menial tasks, such as cleaning latrines and filing paperwork, as punishment due to the DADT investigation.
"Homosexuality was fair game. There were rules protecting gender, rules protecting religion and race, but no rules protecting homosexuality," Vossler said. "So it was something to make fun of ad nauseam."
Wednesday court proceedings concluded with testimony from University of California, Hastings College of the Law, professor Elizabeth Hillman, a military law expert who spoke about the disproportionate amount of women discharged by the ban. Though women comprise 14% of military personnel, they account for about 34% of all discharges. Women of color are particularly vulnerable to the policy, she said.
"Women are a minority," Hillman said. "Women in male-dominated positions are more likely to face resentment and barriers put up by their male colleagues."
During cross-examination, assistant U.S. attorney Scott Simon, representing the Justice Department, asked Hillman whether the disproportionate impact on women due to "don't ask, don't tell" was a deliberate action, to which she replied, "No, I believe it was not intended by leaders of the military."
Former Air Force major Mike Almy, Palm Center director Aaron Belkin, and former petty officer 3rd class Joseph Rocha are scheduled to testify on Thursday.
Advocate.com/July15,2010/ Michelle Garcia
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