A great injustice

IU is known for its promotion of diversity and the free exchange of ideas. As president of the student body, my goal is to uphold and protect these fundamental principles. At times, we need a reminder that the well-being of our diverse community depends on the protection of these values.

Last Thursday, our campus welcomed a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Peter Pace. His presence in Bloomington sparked controversy across our University, as he was to be named the Poling Chair of Business & Government by the Kelley School.

Pace’s prior commentaries on the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and personal beliefs relating to homosexual relations dominated headlines in the Indiana Daily Student and discussions around campus. Students and faculty alike voiced frustration that the GLBT community was being denigrated by this appointment.    

However, what was more problematic was the complete lack of coverage devoted to Pace’s achievements, his purpose on our campus and the reparations he made while in Bloomington.

I believe it was a mistake to dismiss this man in his entirety because of his controversial views. Pace interacted daily with the president of the United States, managed a budget of more than $700 billion and made life-and-death decisions for tens of thousands of Americans soldiers.

In the spirit of diversity in education, his presence at our University should be viewed as an opportunity to learn.  

The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Clinton in 1993. The policy was not one that Pace authored, but one that his superiors, namely our democratically elected Congressional representatives and president, made into law. Equally, the power to change this policy is retained by Congress, not our military.  

Pace displayed both a tremendous interest in our students and faculty as well as a personal commitment to education. He engaged student leaders in conversation and responded eloquently to concerns voiced by our GLBT community. He was disappointed his personal beliefs had caused division, and sought to clarify what had originally caused strife.

Pace demonstrated a serious commitment to dialog and individual respect. His on-campus remarks were a true picture of unity – remarks from a man who was formerly charged with presenting the singular voice of the U.S. Military to our national leaders.

Pace’s visit last week should be remembered as nothing short of a visit from a true statesman. The attitude of students after an encounter with him exemplifies the story that was ignored. Those who suspected bigotry found acceptance, and those who entered the room angry left feeling welcomed.

From an educational perspective, Pace’s exclusion should be unfathomable. Moments with high-ranking representatives of our nation are rare.

Moreover, it was a rare opportunity for us all to learn from one another. Indeed, had Pace not been given the opportunity to speak, we would have done ourselves an imaginable injustice.