The Department of Defense has upgraded the records of 800 military members expelled under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy to honorable discharges. This move follows a year-long review of 851 cases. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin praised the Military Department Review Boards, stating, “96.8% of the cases reviewed have been granted relief.” DADT, a 1990s policy banning open service by gay and bisexual individuals, led to 14,000 military separations under less-than-honorable conditions. Veterans with such discharges face difficulties accessing critical benefits like healthcare and housing assistance. Last year, veterans sued the Defense Department to overturn their discharges. Attorney Jocelyn Larkin noted, “This case is not about damages and in fact it is not seeking any money for the plaintiffs. This case is about simply changing that piece of paper because the effect of changing that piece of paper is so incredibly consequential for our clients.” Even Congressional representatives pushed for quicker action in this matter. In January, out Representatives Robert Garcia, Mark Pocan, and Chris Pappas urged Austin to expedite the discharge upgrades. Austin announced that 96% of service members separated under DADT have now received honorable discharges. He said, “We will continue to strive to do right by every American patriot who has honorably served their country.” #Queer Up Social Justice