Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Opt out of military recruitment

Parents have a right to deny military recruiters the ability to contact public school students.

By IPN Staff

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires schools receiving federal funding to release students’ names, addresses, and telephone numbers to military recruiters.

However, parents have the right to opt out from schools releasing their students’ information to military recruiters, as do students of majority age.

In Iowa, you may request opt-out forms from the high school or administrators’ office. Other schools include this information in registration packets, where parents give permission to release their children’s information to the military or higher education institutions.

A web site, called Leave My Child Alone is sponsored by Working Assets and Mainstreet Moms. It contains opt-out forms, information and action kits interested persons can use to talk with school districts about the opt-out option, to keep military recruiters from targeting high school students.

A number of alternatives to military service exist for young people seeking work experience after high school. These programs are available to everyone, and allow volunteers to participate in life-affirming projects.

The Peace Corps offers government-sponsored projects for peace, development and education in developing countries. AmeriCorps VISTA offers chances to perform service to help others in this country.

Student loan forgiveness and deferment is often part of the benefits package along with vacation time, a modest stipend, and networking opportunities for later career development.

Brethren Volunteer Service is available for persons of all ages seeking to serve others peacefully due to reasons of faith and/or conscience. These supervised projects provide civilian service opportunities, job experience and the chance to make a positive difference in others’ lives.

Call or email Iowa Peace Network if you have questions or would like to talk with someone about options: 515-255-7114, iowapeacenetwork@gmail.com

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