The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires that high schools receiving federal funds MUST give students' personal contact information to military recruiters. Students can protect their privacy by signing an Opt Out form and filing it with their school administration. This restricts the high school from sharing a student's information with recruiters. Unfortunately, few students and parents know about this option. September 2009, the NYC Department of Education put regulations in place to protect high school students from aggressive military recruitment practices. The Chancellor’s Regulations (A-852) mandate school administrators to implement a procedure that ensures that all students and parents receive Opt Out forms in the beginning of the school year. This is good news for students and parents. It is our obligation to see that the mandate is enforced and regulations followed. To that end, we continue to provide information on the Opt-Out form until all schools are in compliance.
Opt-Out regulations required of high school principals – (Chancellor’s Opt-Out Regulations)
What can you do?
Become part of the GPB Counter Recruitment Team. Join us in leafleting in front of targeted high schools to give our kids the information they need to protect themselves from the lies and misrepresentations of the recruiters. Lets make sure our kids know more about alternatives and options and to the military after high school.
Watch counter recruiters in action in "Counter Recruiting on Parent Night" on the GPB video channel on YouTube.
Note to Volunteers: Leafleting is permitted in front of public schools. Print and carry a "Stipulation and Order of Settlement" with you and if you are harassed please report it to the NYCLU.
Download fliers and materials for Opt-Out actions (below)
Informed, Empowered Mural Project: Many of the young artists wanted to address the issue of military recruiting, and targeting youth in low-income areas.
JROTC: Military curriculum in public high schools supported by NYC taxpayers: The Mayor’s proposed budget has earmarked approximately $2.4 million for Junior Officer Training Corps (J-ROTC), a program that is now operating in 19 high schools in NYC. The J-ROTC program is an essential part of the military’s recruitment program that masquerades as an educational curriculum.
