"Teen Girl Sues So She Can Legally Sign Up for the Draft"

2015-07-17T09:57:36-04:00

From: Yahoo
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Women have long been welcome to join all branches of the military, and since the ban on combat was lifted in 2013, they’ve been able to fight in battle for their country as well.

But only men are required to register for the draft through the Selective Service System, which they must do after they turn 18, even though the U.S. hasn’t had a draft since 1973.

So when Elizabeth Kyle-LaBell, a recent high school grad from New Jersey who is contemplating becoming a military veterinarian, tried to register on the Selective Service’s website, she was barred from doing so as soon as she checked the box indicating her sex.

Seventeen-year-old Elizabeth, who goes by Liz, says that’s discrimination. “I hadn’t even entered my age yet when the website directed me to a page saying I couldn’t register,” Kyle-LaBell tells Yahoo Parenting. “I feel that if a woman wants to register for the draft, she should be able to.”

To overturn what she describes as a policy that violates women’s civil rights, Kyle-LaBell and her mom, Allison Kyle, filed a class-action lawsuit against the Selective Service System. As a minor, Kyle-LaBell wasn’t able to file it herself, so her mother filed on her behalf, she says.

“With both males and females available for such roles today, the two sexes are now similarly situated for draft registration purposes, and there is no legitimate reason for the government to discriminate against the female class, so equal protection applies,” the complaint, which identifies Kyle-LaBell by her initials, E.K.L., states.

“Further, with both males and females available for such combat roles, there is no reasonable basis for infringing the associational interests of the female class by preventing them from registering.”

The suit aims to overturn a 1981 Supreme Court decision that upheld the men-only draft registration rule. “The court decided that the draft is there to create a pool of people who can be in combat, and since women were barred from combat, it wasn’t discrimination to bar them from the draft,” Roy Den Hollander, Kyle-LaBell’s attorney, tells Yahoo Parenting. “Now women are allowed to be in combat, but they still can’t register.”

While he can’t comment on the pending lawsuit, Pat Schuback, public affairs specialist for the Selective Service System, tells Yahoo Parenting that his agency isn’t opposed to allowing women to sign up. “We’re not opposed to women registering; we just follow the law.”

Since the suit was just filed and no court date has been set, Kyle-LaBell is spending her summer like other new high school grads, scoring support for her bold move from her friends and preparing for her freshman year of college at Moravian College in Pennsylvania.

Her goal is to make the draft gender-neutral: either both men and women should be required to register or it should be voluntary for both sexes. “If women are allowed to fight in a war, we should be allowed to sign up for the draft,” she says.

https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/teen-girl-sues-so-she-can-legally-sign-up-for-the [login to see] 52.html

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jul 17 at 2015 9:59 AM

2015-07-17T09:59:08-04:00

I salute you Elizabeth for setting the example for the rest of the young women to follow!

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 17 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-07-17T10:00:30-04:00

RallyPoint Shared Content Outstanding Patriot!

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jul 17 at 2015 10:01 AM

2015-07-17T10:01:05-04:00

I have no problem with this let her and all 18 year old regardless of gender.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jul 17 at 2015 10:07 AM

2015-07-17T10:07:55-04:00

Excellent! Someone raised this kid right.

Response by CPO Rob Daniel made Jul 17 at 2015 10:22 AM

2015-07-17T10:22:05-04:00

We have created an equal opportunity atmosphere in the military, we pride ourselves on not defining roles by gender or race. I applaud this young lady for pressing to be treated equally by the Selective Service board, and wish her good luck in her endeavors.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Jul 17 at 2015 10:26 AM

2015-07-17T10:26:17-04:00

I think that it is admirable that this young woman wants to play a part, but I don't completely understand what the problem is ....... Is there is an advantage to be gained by registering for the draft, instead of just volunteering when she comes of age, or whenever she is ready?

Maybe i'm just out of touch, considering that I did live in Germany for over 25 years, and have only returned about 4 years ago, but I just don't see the importance of being able to register for the draft, as opposed to being able to volunteer to serve.

If this has to do with signing up for Military service, she can do so when she turns 18, or when she graduates college. Is it not enough that this young lady can be prepared to join the Military if the US should start a callup? I just get a feeling that this is more publicity based than the act of someone ready to step up, at a moments notice, and do whatever she can to defend her Country.

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 17 at 2015 10:49 AM

2015-07-17T10:49:25-04:00

Kudos to her for wanting to be considered but really, suing to get on the draft list? Why not just join if you are that gung ho. If you are just trying to make a statement, I would think there are better ways.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jul 17 at 2015 11:12 AM

2015-07-17T11:12:44-04:00

They want to make everything else gender neutral so why not the draft?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 11:38 AM

2015-07-17T11:38:07-04:00

there is something you dont see every day

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 11:52 AM

2015-07-17T11:52:27-04:00

Why not register them? It symbolic in that we havent drafted anyone and probably wont short of World War III! But it shows that women serve alongside the men. Israel not only registers but actually drafts women. Many women serve in combat and special ops. The perfomance of women in Israel convinces me that women can serve in any military role.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 11:53 AM

2015-07-17T11:53:02-04:00

I dont see what the point is. she could've sign up anyway

Response by PO1 Henry Sherrill made Jul 17 at 2015 12:09 PM

2015-07-17T12:09:43-04:00

I've been saying that since I was in the military. Why is it just men are required to sign up for the draft and not women. I believe that with todays politics that every person age 18 to 34, regardless of gender, should have to sign up for selective service.

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Jul 17 at 2015 12:18 PM

2015-07-17T12:18:33-04:00

And.......?

These days males don't join the military by registering for selective service, they go to a recruiter... I'm not quite sure what she was trying to accomplish.

Response by 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 12:51 PM

2015-07-17T12:51:46-04:00

"If she wanted to join she could have easily signed up" - I simply think she is trying to make a public showing that the draft system is antiquated, especially with recent changes in the service (e.g. women in Ranger school, Infantry officer school, etc.).

I think she is right on and that the draft issue deserves a fresh look.

Response by SrA Anthony Carter made Jul 17 at 2015 1:03 PM

2015-07-17T13:03:21-04:00

Times have changed and it's time to update the Law. Don't Ask - Don't Tell is gone! Transgender persons are being considered for enlistment. We are equals, so let them register. However, don't want to hear it when it is time to use the draft.

Personally, I believe that all youth should have to serve. If not military, then some type of public service. Especially if you are not working or on Welfare.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-07-17T13:12:38-04:00

I think this has more to do with making a name with the women's right movement then anything. Just my gut feeling. I have always felt the Selective Service for just males was wrong, and should be both genders for the drafts. And I joined the army. There are ways to get the ball rolling to change the law of the land, then for a Female 17 year old to long onto the SSS.gov page that SHE KNOWS already she can't register for- to register, and then sue.

Response by SPC Jacob Sharp made Jul 17 at 2015 1:13 PM

2015-07-17T13:13:11-04:00

I completely agree with this girl. Sure, she can, (and I'm sure she will), just go enlist, however she is addressing a core principle behind the draft system. If women can vote, serve in combat zones, go to ranger school, and want to be treated as equals, then why should men be the only people required to sign up for selective service? If you want equality, then that means equality in all things. I think this is excellent and the system needs to be revisited.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 1:20 PM

2015-07-17T13:20:08-04:00

Somebody give her your gorilla cookies. This young American is a leader and a patriot.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jul 17 at 2015 1:24 PM

2015-07-17T13:24:03-04:00

It shouldn't take a lawsuit to get this updated. A ton of respect to Ms. Kyle-LaBell for taking a stand on something that doesn't really "benefit" her.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-07-17T16:19:38-04:00

This just sounds like someone who a) wants attention and b) wants to look patriotic and awesome without actually having to raise her right hand. Go down to the recruiting office and enlist if you really have your heart set on it.

Response by SSG Ronald Williams made Jul 17 at 2015 4:40 PM

2015-07-17T16:40:56-04:00

I have two daughters and I think all Americans, and any documented or illegal immigrants (if they want benefits) should have to register.

Response by SrA Azriel Wynge made Jul 17 at 2015 4:51 PM

2015-07-17T16:51:49-04:00

I have said for a long time that since most women want equality, they should have to sign up for the draft. Kudos to her.

Response by SPC Bobbie Schultze made Jul 17 at 2015 5:25 PM

2015-07-17T17:25:17-04:00

https://www.sss.gov/Registration/Women-And-Draft
I think before she sues she should read this site and understand it before causing an uproar. She wants to join then she should just march on down to the recruiter's office just like I did 6 years ago (I'm a female by the way) and fill out the paper work and join. NOT that hard, rather it is very simply.

Response by SPC Kortney Kistler made Jul 17 at 2015 5:29 PM

2015-07-17T17:29:23-04:00

It's a waste of time.

Response by PFC Alex Rivers made Jul 17 at 2015 5:57 PM

2015-07-17T17:57:01-04:00

The draft system is based off from some quite old standards that have since changed in the new millennium, it wouldn't be bad to see change in the system to reflect more current acceptable standards.

Response by PO1 Shannon Drosdak made Jul 17 at 2015 7:15 PM

2015-07-17T19:15:59-04:00

I'm all for it, the youth of today are crying out about being "genderized" however they aren't thinking about what comes with the "un-genderizing" of themselves. They don't want the titles of "he/she" but they are being ignorant to the responsibilities of what goes with that want.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 1:33 AM

2015-07-18T01:33:13-04:00

There's plenty of recruiting stations out there... You can walk-in no appointments !! Don't make a big issue out of it!!
In the other hand, good for you, at least somebody is proud and willing to serve the country.

Response by CPL Ford Rhodes made Jul 18 at 2015 2:40 AM

2015-07-18T02:40:14-04:00

There is a great place that let's you serve. it is called a recruiting office. They don't discriminate. I she really wants in she can get in. If she really wants to be on a news story... Oh wait, she already did that.

Response by PFC Anthony Muto made Jul 18 at 2015 6:26 AM

2015-07-18T06:26:14-04:00

soldier up go army hooah!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 7:41 AM

2015-07-18T07:41:07-04:00

I wonder how I can sign on to this lawsuit. I resent that the 18 year old me had to be registered to get financial aid for college but 18 year old women did not. That's discrimination!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 2:03 PM

2015-07-18T14:03:22-04:00

Good for her! She understands that women will never be truly equal until they are equal in every way. Any time you make concessions to a group of people you identify them as inferior. It doesn't matter if you are protecting women from the draft or setting a lower PT standard, it all goes toward a mindset that they are not equal.

She should just register as transgendered and they would happily accept her.

Response by SSgt David Love made Jul 18 at 2015 3:18 PM

2015-07-18T15:18:09-04:00

Women will be required to register for the draft during the next event that warrants it.
Why is this not public knowledge? It will cost money to change all the Selective Service forms, processes and legal procedures associated with it. In addition to incurring the cost, when there is really no impending need to. No politician in their right mind would risk the wrath of every parent with daughters at or nearing draft age, nor would they risk a sure fire no vote from every woman in the same age range that wonders if this whole feminist movement has gone too far.
Equal pay for equal work, equal sacrifices!

Response by PFC Jerry Bruce made Jul 18 at 2015 3:56 PM

2015-07-18T15:56:46-04:00

Women have always been able to join the service, just under certain job discriptions. My sister was in the Very first Wac's graduating class , FT BLISS, TX in the early 40's. Nurses were in all wars of the USA. Women feel they should be in combat rolls too, this I don/t agree with,,, . Women can fly planes, sail ships, Command troops,,, but in ground Combat, I don't want to depend on a woman to be my backup in a hand to hand fight especially at night in a jungle area... NO WAY..Jose.. I want a man prefer a big gorilla type to help me then.. Not some 120 lb female. Women are not & never will be equal to men in a combat hand to hand situation.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Jul 18 at 2015 4:43 PM

2015-07-18T16:43:15-04:00

Good for her.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jul 19 at 2015 2:03 AM

2015-07-19T02:03:33-04:00

Give me a break, I'm tired of these morons whining about there civil rights being violated. When she turns 18 she can enlist. Maybe she can get SCOTUS to create new rights. If they can find one for Sodomy they surely can find one for the draft. And does she know that there isn't a draft.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jul 20 at 2015 10:02 AM

2015-07-20T10:02:15-04:00

Symbolism over substance...If she wants to serve, enlist or go the commission route then there is no need to register. She isn't a patriot because she files a lawsuit because she cannot check a box on a website and get what she wants.

Men are required to sign up because if we have to draft, men are drafted, in many/most cases for combat arms MOS's which are not all open to women. If that ever happens then I suspect they will update the selective service system. Until then how about signing on the line and serving without trying to create a cause that isn't really needed (put a sock in your pie hole). There is also the reality that only a small percentage of women even join the armed forces this is just another attention stunt. I think everyone with a functioning brain stem knew that women were not required to sign up for selective service. So what.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jul 20 at 2015 9:30 PM

2015-07-20T21:30:29-04:00

Collects the out of court settlement and fails to register?

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Feb 24 at 2019 4:45 PM

2019-02-24T16:45:31-05:00

I wonder how the population of 18yr. old females feel about this. Be interesting to know. Semper fi.