Social Studies Lesson Plan

Overview: The U.S. military policy for gays and lesbians is “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Resulting from President Clinton’s attempt to get rid of the ban of gays in the military, this became a sort of “gentleman’s agreement” not to pursue information about the sexual orientation of military personnel. On the other hand, such personnel could face discharge if he or she reports being homosexual or bisexual.

Suggested time allotment: Two days to explore what the laws and policies are. Then two days to prepare a presentation for the class.

Objectives

Students will:

1. Research “Don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t pursue” – what it means and how the military observes it.
2. Attempt to interview military personnel – with local recruiters or others — to get their firsthand views of how this works.
3. Present your findings to the class, including some kind of visual aide that helps explain the various parts of this policy and any changes media has made in exploring the topic.

Curriculum Standards from the National Council for the Social Studies: Thematic Strands, from “Expectations of Excellence: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies.”
• VI — Power, authority and governance. Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of how people create and change structures of power, authority, and governance…. High school students develop their abilities in the use of abstract principles. They study the various systems that have been developed over the centuries to allocate and employ power and authority in the governing process. At every level, learners should have opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills to and participate in the workings of the various levels of power, authority, and governance.

• X – Civic ideals and practices. Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of the ideals, principles, and practices of citizenship in a democratic republic….High school students increasingly recognize the rights and responsibilities of citizens in identifying societal needs, setting directions for public policies, and working to support both individual dignity and the common good. They learn by experience how to participate in community service and political activities and how to use democratic process to influence public policy.

Resources and materials:
Web sites with information:
• Stanford University has an extensive digital law project at its Robert Crown Law Library. It includes statutes and regulations, litigation, hearings, commentary, and other links.
|view website |

• A particularly useful part of the Stanford site is its links page. Some, but not all, of these are a bit dated.
| view website |

• The Service Members Legal Defense Network, a national lobby group for gay military personnel, has extensive information on its (admittedly slanted) site.
| view website |

• Reporter Kerry Eleveld explores the increased media coverage of the topic in “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell goes mainstream” for The New York Blade, Sept. 25, 2006.
| view website |

• Stop Bullying Now is aimed at younger students with games to play and Webisodes that help explain the problems for both victims and the bullies themselves.
| view website |