'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is subject of program at University of Richmond School of Law

January 19, 2009

A University of Richmond School of Law alumnus who was dismissed from the Navy because of his homosexuality will return to campus Jan. 27 to discuss the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law regarding gays and lesbians in the military.

Tracy Thorne-Begland, who received his law degree in 1997 and was dismissed from the Navy for his decision to be open about his sexuality, is now deputy commonwealth's attorney for the city of Richmond. In 1992, he was a "Top Gun" fighter pilot when he revealed his homosexuality on ABC-TV's "Nightline." He was kicked out of the Navy, touching off a legal battle over gays in the military.

The law school's Equality Alliance will host the program at 6 p.m. in the Moot Court Room. It is free and open to the public. A reception will follow.

Also speaking will be Aaron Tax, managing attorney with Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, who will discuss the status of the law and efforts to repeal it. Tax and Thorne-Begland also will talk about opportunities for changing the law during the Obama administration.

For additional information, contact Rob Walker, interim associate dean for external relations, University of Richmond School of Law, at (804) 287-6317 or rwalker@richmond.edu.