''Every once in a while an issue comes to a community and, despite a cost, it comes to the conclusion that it has to stand up for its principles.... It has to do with speaking truth to power, and it's one of those roles that those of us lucky enough to be trained as lawyers hopefully take from time to time.''

Jeff Shields, president and dean of the small, independent Vermont Law School which bans military recruiters from campus because of the ''Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy. (TimesArgus.com)

It was a pretty simple application of our nondiscrimination policy.... It really arises out of our desire to make sure that all of our students have equal access to all opportunities, including the opportunity to serve in the military.''

Eric S. Janus, president and dean of William Mitchell, another law school which has banned military recruiters due to their anti-gay, discriminatory practices. (TimesArgus.com)