Panelists spoke about discrimination against racial minorities, women, and gays, as well as ways in which it continues to effect the military. Arguments used in the 1940s to preserve racial segregation are the same arguments being advanced by some for keeping the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law on the books. Captain Joan Darrah, U.S. Navy (Ret.), who served as Community Manager at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, explained how "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" undermines military readiness. Retired Navy Commander and SLDN Board Co-Chair Zoe Dunning talked about serving as an openly gay member of the U.S. military for more than 13 years. The panelists responded to questions from members of the audience. Juan Williams moderated.

"The State of Diversity in the U.S. Military - Remaining Challenges" was the fourth and concluding panel of the "Freedom to Serve -- Then and Now" forum honoring the 61st anniversary of President Truman's signing of Executive Order 9981 that ended racial segregation in the armed forces. The forum was held in the auditorium of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. CT on Monday, July 27, 2009. The event was co-sponsored by Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.