But some argued that it is impossible to find amiddle ground because endorsing the military inany way would send a clear message.

"It is a political issue. It is an ethicalissue. It is a moral issue," said Anna M. Baldwin'00, a former council member.

David B. Orr '01, a spectator at last night'smeeting, said legislation that goes againstHarvard's non-discrimination policies, howeverindirectly, could cause a slippery slope.

"A non-discrimination policy is as strong asits weakest link," he said. "This is a bill thatdoesn't like homosexuals."

Justin E. Porter '99, a ROTC cadet and a formercouncil member, stressed the importance ofsupporting a student's right to participate in theprogram.

"You do have the opportunity to make astatement," he said, "to support studentsinterested in giving back to their country."

Alex A. Boni-Saenz '01, who sponsored a numberof the amendments, was disappointed with the finalbill.

"It's still unacceptable," he said after themeeting. He said he was also upset with what hesaw as an inadequate amount of time spent debatingon the bill. Much of the meeting was spentdiscussing the various amendments, leaving lesstime to debate the completed bill