In a landmark decision, Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey launches VERB, the Veterans Equality Review Board. The primary goal? To champion veterans unjustly discharged under the contentious “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy. The board aims to streamline the application process for these veterans and advise on their qualification for state-level veteran perks.
“Today is a historic milestone for Massachusetts veterans, service members, and their families,” declared Governor Healey. “The creation of the Veterans Equality Review Board underscores our commitment to righting the wrongs of the past and supporting LGBTQ+ veterans who have served our nation with pride and honor. I’m grateful for the efforts of Secretary Santiago and his team to help ensure that these veterans receive the support and benefits they deserve.”
Board’s Responsibilities and Structure
A major part of VERB’s duties will be to evaluate applications from veterans who believe they were unjustly discharged due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Additionally, they’ll offer recommendations to the Secretary of Veterans Services regarding state-based veteran benefits and ensure qualifying veterans can avail the necessary support.
The application procedure, available on the EOVS website, is designed to be user-friendly, with crystal-clear guidelines and a list of requisite documents. Formed as a component of the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, VERB’s inception is a step towards rectifying the historic wrongs against LGBTQ+ veterans. The board comprises five distinguished members, with three selected by the Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans Services and two by the Governor. Each member, serving a five-year term, plays an essential role in guaranteeing veterans get the due respect and benefits.
Healey Launches VERB: Reactions and Statements
Additionally, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll echoed a similar sentiment: “t’s time we correct the injustices endured by LGBTQ+ service members discharged under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and make sure they receive the state benefits they’ve earned through their dedicated service” Driscoll, a Navy veteran’s daughter, has been a fervent advocate for veterans’ rights.
Emphasizing the importance of recognition, Secretary Jon Santiago stated, “Every veteran deserves respect and recognition. We owe it to those who served in uniform to right past injustices. Though progress has been made towards LGBTQ+ equality, there’s more work ahead. Providing state benefits to veterans with less than honorable discharges under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ represents a significant step in healing discrimination’s wounds.” Santiago believes granting state benefits to these veterans symbolizes a considerable stride in mending the scars of past prejudice.
Twelve years post the DADT repeal, Senator John Velis, Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, pointed out that many still suffer from its repercussions. “The work of the Veterans Equality Review Board is all about ensuring that LGBTQ veterans across the Commonwealth have the same access to benefits and services that their fellow veterans have. This is a historic day and I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and my partners in the Legislature, for their commitment to doing right by our service members.”
Introducing the VERB Members
The five appointed members of VERB come from varied backgrounds and fields but share a common purpose: to ensure justice for the veterans affected by the DADT policy. The list includes:
- Claire Burgess, PhD: Renowned Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School.
- Cliff Brown: Army veteran and Massachusetts National Guard member.
- Lynette Gabrila: Director of Veterans Services for the Wachusett District.
- Christine Serpe, PhD: Staff Psychologist and an esteemed Assistant Professor at Boston University.
- Rachel McNeill: Veteran advocate and U.S. Army Reserves veteran.
For more in-depth information about VERB, readers can head to the official Executive Office of Veterans Services website.
Xylo News 