Truth in Recruitment for High School Students
We offer presentations to students on the realities of enlistment. To find out more and secure a speaker for your class, contact George Taylor.
Did You Know?
Counter military recruiters are legally allowed the same access to students as military recruiters, according to a 1986 Ninth Circuit Court ruling. Basically, the Ninth Circuit ruling stated that the question of military service (whether voluntary or compulsory) is a controversial political issue, and if a school establishes a forum for one side to present its views on the issue, it must give opponents equal access to the forum.
Counselors and teachers have worked with counter military recruiters to provide equal access by:
• placing literature displays in career and counseling centers
• setting up displays at career and college fairs
• placing posters and literature on bulletin boards
• having speakers and printed materials in classrooms
• running ads in student newspapers
• having counter military recruiters/peace activists be present whenever there are military recruiters present
In order to be sure that military recruiters, college and job recruiters, and peace activists
have equal access to each other, as required by law, schools document and regulate recruiter visits. Some counselors will only allow recruiters at career/job fairs. Some counselors require students to make appointments with all recruiters, others have military recruiters and military counter recruiters sitting at tables outside lunchrooms once a month or once a semester.
Further Resources for Students, Teachers & Counselors
American Public Health Association statement on Cessation of Recruiting in Public Schools (.docx)
Changing Recruitment Policies in Schools, Kate Connell
Militarism Goes To School, Laura Finley (.pdf)
Career Counselors and Military Recruiting in High Schools (Seattle) (.pdf)
Model School District Policies (.docx)
The Military’s View of Counter-Recruitment, Seth Kershner
Printable Brochure: Teachers, If You Want Peace, Work for Justice (.pdf)
Printable Brochure: Know Before You Go (.pdf)
Printable Brochure: Considerations for Counselors (.pdf)
Veterans for Peace National Resources Page
NNOMY (National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth)
Spokane Veterans for Peace 