What significant policy change did Jimmy Carter implement regarding Vietnam War draft dodgers?

Jimmy Carter implemented a significant policy change by pardoning Vietnam War draft dodgers. This decision was rooted in his belief in national reconciliation and forgiveness, as he sought to heal a nation deeply divided by the Vietnam War. Starting in 1977, Carter announced a program to offer a complete pardon to individuals who had evaded the draft during the Vietnam War, allowing them to return to the United States without facing prosecution or penalties. This move was a departure from the harsh treatment of draft evaders that characterized earlier government responses and represented a shift towards a more compassionate approach to those who resisted the draft on moral or political grounds.

The decision was controversial; however, it symbolized a broader aim to move past the conflict and address the lingering grievances of those affected by the war. By pardoning these individuals, Carter aimed to foster a sense of unity and closure for a nation grappling with the legacy of Vietnam.