![Katherine_miller_0](https://www.advocate.com/media-library/katherine-miller-0.jpg?id=32715816&width=1200&height=876)
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
The U.S. Military Academy at West Point rejected an application for readmission to a former cadet who resigned last year due to the "don't ask, don't tell" law, which barred out gays and lesbians from serving in the military.
Katherine Miller, 21, left West Point, where she ranked ninth in her class, in August to attend Yale for her junior year. Miller requested to return to the academy for her senior year, as the "don't ask, don't tell" repeal process is under way, but she was told that she could not return.
"While the don't ask, don't tell policy was recently changed and will be repealed, the effective date has not yet been determined," Lt. Col. Sherri Reed, the academy's director of public affairs, said in a statement, according to the Associated Press. "Due to this situation, West Point is unable to offer her readmission at this time."
Miller released a statement Wednesday, saying that she intended to finish her education at Yale, and then enter the military through Officer Candidate School upon graduation.
"Although I am deeply saddened that I will not be readmitted to West Point, I understand and respect the decision," she said. "The Academy and the military are required to abide by a strict DADT repeal implementation timeline, and readmission would violate that timeline. My intent has never been to receive "special treatment" but rather to serve alongside my comrades as an equal."
The date for full repeal will be 60 days after President Barack Obama and top military officials certify that repealing the ban will not affect troop morale or defense capabilities. Training for each of the branches of the military is slated to be completed by the end of the summer. Classes begin at West Point August 15.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
21+ steamy photos of Scotland’s finest gay men in Elska Glasgow
February 01 2024 10:07 PM
More Than 50 of Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Moms
May 12 2024 11:44 AM
Conjoined twins Lori Schappell and trans man George Schappell dead at 62
April 27 2024 6:13 PM
Latest Stories
Elon Musk’s comments about his trans daughter prove why she doesn’t speak to him
July 23 2024 9:16 AM
Nancy Pelosi endorses Kamala Harris for president
July 22 2024 4:07 PM
Charli XCX declares Kamala Harris IS brat & our next President's campaign agrees
July 22 2024 3:08 PM
Pete Buttigieg roasts JD Vance and his gay tech bro billionaire
July 22 2024 1:42 PM
The AIDs pandemic can be ended by 2030, but governments must act: report
July 22 2024 1:01 PM
Conservatives' first attack on Kamala Harris: Pronouns and accessibility?
July 22 2024 12:45 PM
Advancing equality during Disability Pride Month
July 22 2024 11:30 AM