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Students not aware of opt-out provision to get off military recruiters' list
by Bob Heberle, member, Veterans for Peace, Chapter 27
An important feature of the No Child Left Behind Act has been routinely ignored in recent political debates. Many parents are unaware that section 9528 of the law (pages 559-560) entitles military recruiters full “access to secondary school students' names, addresses, and telephone listings.” Schools not complying are threatened with loss of federal funds.
Fortunately students or parent may request that the student’s information “not be released without prior written parental consent and the local educational agency or private school shall notify parents of the option to make a request and shall comply with any request.”
The bad news is that too many students/parents/faculty are not being advised of these “opt out” opportunities. Schools just are not getting the information out. At least that’s what I gleaned in my unscientific poll while staffing our VFP table during the recent teacher’s convention.
Be prepared to be stonewalled by the local school administration as I’ve been. After several phone calls to my local school district, I have waited over four days for “I’ll look into it” answer from the local principal. Still no call. I simply asked about what has the district done to inform students of their “opt out” rights.
Check out the American Friends Service committee report at: www.youth4peace.org
Go to No Child Left Behind link and open No Child Left Behind “Tool Kit.” The text of the law is on pages 8 and 9. Call 215-241-7046 and ask Oskar for more information.
Prod Moves St. Anthony To Include “Opt out” notice and form
By Bob Heberle
The “Opt Out” form was included in the schedule mailed to all St. Anthony students for the 2005-6 school year.
The introductory letter from Principal Tom Keith reads: “Junior and Seniors: As a result of the No child Left behind legislation, schools are required to give out information to military recruiters. You can opt out if you complete the enclosed form and get it to me by October 1st.”
Superintendent Bob Duncan, after meeting with several parents and residents, and a presentation at a school board meeting, supported all of the recommendations of our small group.
Independent School District 282’s board and administration is to be praised for its willingness to cooperate and comply with the law.