Reserve Officers Training Corps
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a college-based, military officer commissioning program. It is designed as a college elective that focuses on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning, and professional ethics. The organization has been banned from Columbia's campus since 1969.
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Banishment from Columbia
The trustees controversially banned the group from Columbia following the 1968 protests, and they have not allowed it to be reinstated on campus. ROTC is, however, available to Columbia students through cross-town programs at Fordham University (Army) and Manhattan College (Air Force). Student Affairs maintains a website with information on these programs.
Return of ROTC?
Several attempts have been made to restore ROTC to campus. University Senate votes in the 1970s and mid-2000s both rejected such a move. A 2008 student survey on the issue, conducted to guide a discussion and perhaps a renewed vote in the Senate, appeared to have resulted in a narrow rejection for ROTC restoration once again. The results of the survey remain controversial because concerns about voter fraud led over half of all votes to be thrown out.
Pro ROTC-on-campus arguments
- ROTC Cadets may receive full scholarships, allowing students without means to attend Columbia.
- ROTC Cadets are guaranteed a job upon graduation.
- Summer internships and other training opportunities.
- Change the armed forces from within by producing Columbia educated officers.
- Students should have the right to attend ROTC classes at Columbia, just as they may at many other schools.
- Little to no cost to university.
Anti ROTC-on-campus arguments
- Lack of interest.
- Scholarship opportunities no longer compelling due the changes in financial aid policies.
- Military courses are not academically rigorous and do not merit academic credit.
- Columbia students already have the opportunity to participate in ROTC programs elsewhere in New York City.
- Tacit endorsement of warfare has no place in an academic setting.
- ROTC is a costly program.
- Congressional Don't Ask Don't Tell law contravenes anti-discrimination policies.
- This issue in particular has proved to be the sticking point at Columbia. Irrespective of the merits of the program, the university has a stated policy requiring all groups to accept members of any sexual orientation. ROTC does not.
