The University Senate just voted to approve the final ROTC resolution, but only after amendments. You can compare the unamended with the final document, and read the full resolution as voted on by the Senate below. The resolution passed with 51 senators voting in favor, 17 opposed, and 1 abstention.

In a completely unrelated and much less controversial vote, the Senate also decided to change the name of the School of Continuing Education to the School of Professional and Cross-Disciplinary Studies.

Bwog will have a full report on today’s USenate meeting later this afternoon.

Update, 7:14 pm: We’ve updated with the official University statement:

We appreciate the diligent work by the University Senate in fostering a robust debate on the issue of military engagement and ROTC. As in any diverse, open community there will always be a range of strongly held opinions on such important issues. But as President Bollinger stated after last December’s Congressional vote, the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell offers an historic opportunity for universities to reconsider their own policies as well. As planned, we look forward to sharing the Senate resolution with the Council of Deans and seeking an official conclusion on this matter by the end of the semester.


RESOLUTION ON COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY’S RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

BE IT ENACTED BY THE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SENATE

WHEREAS, Columbia University’s many existing relationships with the Armed Forces of the United States, such as participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans, the Eisenhower Leadership Development Program at Teachers College, and the Armed Forces scholarship and residency programs with the Faculty of Health Sciences, enrich the Columbia community; and

WHEREAS, Columbia students have successfully participated in off-campus Reserve Officers Training Corps programs for decades and have recently taken part in various ceremonial functions on campus, including commissioning ceremonies and a weekly color guard; and

WHEREAS, the United States Congress passed a bill repealing 10 U.S.C. § 654 (commonly termed the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law) on December 18, 2010, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama, CC ’83 on December 22, 2010; and

WHEREAS, military service, supporting an abiding idea of the nation beyond its policies at any given moment, belongs among those forms of public service honored by Columbia University; and

WHEREAS, the 1976 Tien Special Committee specifically empowers the University Senate to discuss and decide on any future relationships with the Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, the 2011 Task Force on Military Engagement conducted a broad and representative process, soliciting opinions from the Columbia community; the results of which included a survey of opinion of the student bodies of five schools* with a 60% (for), 33% (against), and 7% (neutral) result specifically on the question of on-campus Reserve Officers Training Corps; and

WHEREAS, the principles of Columbia University’s non-discrimination policy, which are deeply important to Columbia’s identity, express shared values of fostering an open and tolerant community, as shall not abridge the University’s educational mission.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
That Columbia University welcomes the opportunity to explore mutually beneficial relationships with the Armed Forces of the United States, including participation in the programs of the Reserve Officers Training Corps.

PROPONENTS
Executive Committee, Student Affairs Committee, Faculty Affairs Committee, Education Committee