Self-righteousness v. Taxpayer Billions

( Welocme visitors from Mudville Gazette open post. )

Attorneys for thirty-six law schools and faculties were in The Supreme Court this week arguing that while they have a right to ban military recruiters from their campuses because they object to the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy toward gays, the federal government has no right to enforce a law that denies federal funds to any school that denies military recruiters the same access to students that any other employer enjoys.

The schools want the law declared unconstitutional so they can have both their self-righteousness and the taxpayers’ money; although they don’t state it quite that way in their briefs and oral arguments.

Anyway, George Will's written a wonderful column on it all: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Hypocrisy. He provides his usual “cut to the chase” analysis including in this case some questions and comments by Chief Justice Roberts and Justices O’Connor and Scalia.

Here’s Will’s closing paragraph:

Today's schools bristle with moral principles that they urge upon the -- so they think -- benighted society beyond their gates. But as Roberts blandly reminded the schools regarding their desire to bar military recruiters: ``You are perfectly free to do that, if you don't take the money.''