Rutgers University Senate
Equal Opportunity Committee
RESOLUTION
Rutgers University Public Statement in Support of FAIR vs. Rumsfeld
October 2005
 

Whereas, the Board of Governors amended the Policy on Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action (“non-discrimination policy”) in 1981 to include protection on the basis of sexual orientation and marital status; and
 
Whereas, the non-discrimination policy guarantees equal opportunities in hiring, promotion and job-related benefits for employees and equal treatment in University programs for all students; and
 
Whereas, the University Senate has passed three resolutions in the past 10 years urging full implementation of its non-discrimination policy; and
 
Whereas, it is incumbent upon the University to provide moral leadership in the cause of human rights by exercising every option within its power to enforce its non-discrimination policy; and
 
Whereas, the equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students are jeopardized because the Solomon Amendment requires the University to suspend its non-discrimination policy with respect to recruitment efforts of the Department of Defense; and
 
Whereas, the Solomon Amendment compels the University to lend its resources, personnel, and facilities to an employer (the U.S. military) that continues to discriminate based on sexual orientation in its hiring practices.
 
Whereas, the law suit FAIR v. Rumsfeld provides an opportunity for the University to make important strides in fulfilling its commitment to non-discrimination;
 
Whereas, FAIR v. Rumsfeld will be heard by the U. S. Supreme Court on December 6, 2005;
 
Therefore, be it resolved that the Senate urges the President and the Board of Governors to make a public statement on behalf of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in support of FAIR’s effort to get the Solomon Amendment overturned.