History of the United States II / Unit 16 USH2 2298 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Captions available
The idea
Clinton pledged to lift the fifty-year ban on gay and lesbian service members, but in January nineteen ninety-three, to appease conservatives, he adopted the policy of don't ask, don't tell.
In practice
Service members not asked their orientation, and dismissed if they discussed it openly.
Where people slip
The anchor says the compromise satisfied neither conservatives nor the gay and lesbian community.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
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