Biden rectifies injustice of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' But policy never should've existed.

The "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy was institutionalized discrimination, plain and simple. It unjustly punished proud and capable service members for who they loved.

In a move aimed at rectifying that historical injustice, President Joe Biden on Wednesday issued a proclamation pardoning veterans who were convicted or discharged from the military under Don't Ask, Don't Tell. The policy, implemented by President Bill Clinton and effective from 1993 to 2011, barred openly gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. military. It led to the discharge of thousands of service members.

Biden’s proclamation acknowledges the policy’s discriminatory nature and offers a measure of redress to those who were unjustly penalized. Although I am grateful that era has ended, its consequences are still felt within the military community.

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'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' failed as a compromise

Don't Ask, Don't Tell was a compromise that allowed closeted LGBTQ+ service members to remain in the armed forces as long as they were not open about their sexual orientation. But the policy perpetuated a climate of fear and secrecy, leading to widespread persecution within the ranks.

Stephen Peters is a Marine veteran who was discharged under Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT).

“Serving as a Marine under Don't Ask, Don't Tell was a mix of immense pride and constant stress," Peters told me. "I grew up in a very conservative Christian home, and for a long time, I struggled with accepting the fact I am gay. It was my time in the Marine Corps that finally gave me the courage to be true to myself. I was honored to serve my country, and it would have meant the world to me to be able to serve without having to keep such an integral part of myself hidden."

'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' also hurt families

By pardoning these veterans, the administration aims to restore their honor and ensure they receive the recognition and benefits they deserve.

“It's important to remember that DADT didn't just harm service members. It profoundly impacted their families as well," Peters said. "Their families had to live in the shadows of DADT, cut off from access to vital services that other military families often take for granted."

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While the proclamation is a welcome and necessary measure, it also is a somber reminder of the harm caused by DADT. The policy's legacy is a stain on the U.S. military and a stark example of how institutionalized discrimination can undermine equality and justice.

Many veterans who were affected by DADT endured years of hardship, facing societal stigma and battling for recognition and compensation.

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The pardoning of veterans convicted or discharged under Don't Ask, Don't Tell represents a significant step toward healing and reconciliation but also underscores the need for continued vigilance against discrimination.

As the military moves forward, it must strive to uphold the values of dignity, respect and equality for all of its members.

Marla Bautista is a military fellow columnist for USA TODAY Opinion.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Don't Ask Don't Tell was wrong. Biden pardon helps heal veterans' pain