According to a letter from President Bollinger sent to all Columbia affiliates---as well as a press release sent out today---Columbia will reinstate the Navy ROTC program at Columbia, ending a de facto ban that has been in place since 1969.
The reinstatement, which was was announced today by President Bollinger and Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, will become formal once "don't ask, don't tell" is officially repealed, which is anticipated to happen later this year.
President Bollinger provided the following statement in the press release:
Repeal of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell law provided a historic opportunity for our nation to live up to its ideals of equality and also for universities to reconsider their relationships with the military. After many months of campus discussion, open forums, and a strongly favorable vote in the University Senate, together with consultation with the University's Council of Deans, it is clear that the time has come for Columbia to reengage with the military program of ROTC. I believe that it is the right course of action for Columbia to formalize this recognition and thereby add to the diversity of choices for education and public service we make available to our students.
Full press release and President Bollinger's email after the jump:
