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Military recruiters rile ACLU

John Wisely

Military leaders often ask their soldiers for name, rank and serial number. But when they approach high schools looking for recruits, it's name, address and telephone number.

High schools that receive federal funding are required to provide the information under the No Child Left Behind Act, unless parents opt out in writing.

"I wasn't aware of it," said Kathy Powers, whose son Jake is a junior at Canton High School. "I try to keep up on most of that stuff. I wouldn't want them calling my son."

The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan said most parents probably don't know what's happening. The group plans to protest the law by contacting schools across the state and making sure parents are aware of their right to opt out. Across the nation, the law has sparked much controversy.

"It subjects students and their families to unwanted release of personal information, and I think those concerns are magnified when the recipient of that information is the military," said Kary L. Moss, executive director of the ACLU's Michigan chapter.

Military leaders say the information is available to other groups, including colleges and marketers, so they should not play at a disadvantage. What's more, the law requires all 18-year-old men to register with selective service.

Last year, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Education Secretary Rod Paige sent a letter to schools across the country saying recruiter access to high school students is a key to maintaining an all-volunteer military.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Jill LaVoie said recruiters typically target students who have already expressed interest in a military career at marketing events or school visits. "Our recruiters don't like to make cold calls," LaVoie said.

Districts across the state said they inform parents of their rights through district newsletters or special forms sent home at registration time.

Last year, when Novi Schools pointed out the law to parents, 530 parents opted out, said Bob Schram, executive director of administrative services for Novi Schools. This year, information about how to opt out was sent with other materials, and only one parent has opted out.


— John Wisely
Detroit News
2003-11-12
http://www.detnews.com/2003/schools/0311/12/b01-323079.htm

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