Signing ceremony welcomes ROTC
After a 40-year hiatus, Harvard University will again host a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program on campus, according to an agreement signed Friday (March 4) by President Drew Faust and Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, J.D. ’76. Harvard will formally welcome the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program back to campus, following the decision by Congress in December to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law regarding military service. The University announced the decision Thursday (March 3). Under the agreement, Harvard will resume full and formal recognition of Naval ROTC on the effective date of the repeal of the law that disqualified openly gay men and lesbians from military service, anticipated to come in the summer of 2011. “Our renewed relationship affirms the commitment embodied in Congress’ historic December vote to achieve greater inclusiveness within the ranks of the military — consonant with the ideals of our democracy and the best traditions...