City of Madison Police issued misdemeanor trespassing citations to five University of Wisconsin students during an organized protest at a military recruiting office Tuesday.
The non-violent sit-in — which took place at a recruitment center on Madison's east side — was a part of the nationwide "Soulforce Right to Serve Campaign," an effort aimed at overturning the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
According to Derek House, student leader of the event, U.S. citizens are ready for the Military Readiness Enhancement Act — which would eliminate the military's policy — to pass Congress. However, he said it seems politicians have simply been unresponsive to the cause.
"Polls have shown that this is something that people want," House said. "But this is a case where, clearly, the lawmakers just aren't listening."
House said Tuesday's event was a follow-up to actions that occurred last month, which brought the cause to the forefront. House, Justin Hager and John Alaniz, all three openly gay UW students, attempted to enlist in the military Aug. 30, but were denied after admitting to being homosexuals when they were asked about their relationship status.
According to both Hager and House, their interest in enlisting was not politically driven, adding they both have a real interest in serving their country.
"I'm a great supporter of the military, a great supporter of the country, and I believe serving in the military should have nothing to do with my feelings about the current administration," Hager said. "It's something I believe I must do. All I want is to serve my country."
This denial and their desire to serve has driven them to take this political stance. City Council President Austin King — who said in his days as a UW student he was not a stranger to taking a stand on issues he felt strongly about — said bold steps like Tuesday's actions are necessary for change.
"I actually haven't met these students, but I applaud that type of active citizenship," King said. "Some of the biggest political victories and changes have come as a result of these types of actions."
Hager said the campaign has forwarded the awareness of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, but he noted that citizens just haven't made it a high priority.
"Basically, what we want to tell people is 'don't let your politicians walk over you,'" he said. "It's clear the public has this issue in their minds, but the speed of any potential change is going to be completely reliant on the voice of the American public."
House and Hager both said they were encouraged by the attention their situation and sit-in has garnered for "Right to Serve."
"I would expect the military to adhere to their rules, so I wasn't surprised we were denied," House said. "As for the citations and fines, we expected those as well. We knew what we were faced with. We just didn't want it to get violent or out of hand."
King said it is likely the demonstrators wanted to receive something in the way of penalties to help make their point and that officers were just doing their job in issuing the citations.
Looking at the future, Hager said the group is hoping to raise funds to cover the fines, which total more than $2,000. He said the public can expect increased campaigning, fundraising and rallies. In addition, Hager said the group would contact representatives, hold their feet to the fire and encourage them to make changes.
Soulforce will also hold an "Equality Ride" next spring that will tour campuses across the nation.
House said he looks at the future realistically, adding that changing the law will probably not come until there is turn over with political seats.
"Ideally, I want the policy to be gone, but I don't really expect it to happen any time soon," House said. "The change in policy will only come when there are major changes in the House and Senate."
