This dichotomoy may reflect the general campus atmosphere surrounding gay right. It is becoming less and less acceptable to be flagrantly homophobic, but many students still shy away from direct contact with gays or lesbians and share little sincere sympathy for their plight.

But even if this is an accurate sketch of the campus situation, it does not absolve the council of responsibility of its decision. As a body which in some ways sets the moral tone for student debate on controversial issues, it is the council's obligation to rise above the petty prejudices some individual constituents may harbor.

This is especially true in light of the ROTC debate, which it appears that the council single-handedly initiated. If the council wants to be out in front of students opinion on an issue as important as ROTC, it must be particularly forward-looking when it comes to issues of civil rights.

It appears that the council is going to reconsider its ROTC decision Sunday, and it is under intense pressure by activists to reverse its vote.

Council members may fear that a reversal will make them look flighty, and they are probably right. But the body must put aside political concerns to answer to justice.

It's better to be criticized for flip-flopping than to be prosecuted for an air-tight case of hypocrisy--and found guilty.