Our Pregnant Soldiers

News of a pregnant woman choosing to live in barracks and continue her military training at VMI is by now barely noteworthy, a "reasonable accommodation" in a nation committed, above all, to the ideal of civic equality.

Likewise, soon-to-be governor of Massachusetts, Republican Jane Swift, will likely take office, then give birth to twins, in that order. Ms. Swift assures all doubters that telecommuting will enable her to fulfill her obligations as a mother of three and a governor -- though she seemed to struggle with this balance after the birth of her first child, receiving public condemnation for using her official staff as babysitters.

In the VMI case, the now four-months-pregnant cadet will stay enrolled at the military institute, with the option of "medical leave" if (or more likely when) her "condition" interferes with her military duties. In a press release, VMI explained the three options offered to the woman: "1) An administrative leave of absence until her personal circumstance permits resumption of full participation in the VMI experience, 2) Provision of separate living quarters on post rather than continuing to live in the Barracks, and 3) To remain in the Barracks." So far, the school reports, "the cadet has elected to remain in the barracks."

As if offering a disclaimer, VMI says it is doing what is required "pursuant to Title IX," which orders that a school "not exclude any student from its education program