Davis Commends Supreme Court Decision Upholding Rights of Military Recruiters on College Campuses

Davis Commends Supreme Court Decision Upholding Rights of Military Recruiters on College Campuses

Decision will require colleges that receive federal aid to allow military recruiters on campus

Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis today commended the United States Supreme Court's unanimous decision ruling that colleges that accept federal money must allow military recruiters on campus. Some colleges were refusing to allow military recruiters to take part in student career days on campus because of political or ideological differences with the military. However, the Supreme Court upheld current law preserving the military's right to participate like the private sector.

"I am very pleased with the Supreme Court's decision recognizing the right of the military to take part in career activities with colleges that receive federal money," said Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis, a Member of the House Armed Services committee. "Considering the fact that these schools receive taxpayer funding makes their exclusionary actions unacceptable. These actions are a disservice to college students across the country, and to the American taxpayer. Many of these colleges would not be operating if it were not for federal funds, and they would not be in existence if it were not for the freedoms we enjoy, courtesy of our Armed Forces," added Davis.

Davis also supported HR 3966, the ROTC and Military Recruiter Equal Access to Campus Act, which passed the House in April of 2004. Citing the second class treatment received by military recruiters and ROTC programs in several colleges and universities, this legislation would help ensure that the military is treated fairly while participating in career focused events. "There are examples where the military, especially ROTC, has suffered discriminatory treatment by university officials who have issues with the military. Instances of military recruiters being treated as second class citizens at college career fairs are simply not acceptable. If these institutions receive federal funds, they need to accommodate those who are looking to present to students career opportunities in the Armed Forces," added Davis.

"Serving in the military is an honorable career, and academic institutions, especially those funded by the federal government, have no business deciding whether or not the military is a suitable profession. I commend the Supreme Court for their decision," added Davis.

http://joanndavis.house.gov/HoR/VA01/News/Press+Releases/2005/Davis+Commends+Supreme+Court+Decision+Upholding+Rights+of+Military+Recruiters+on+College+Campuses.htm