Opt-Out and keep Military Recruiters Hands Off High School Students Records!!

Buried deep within the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is the provision 9528 requiring public high schools to hand over private student information to military recruiters. This private information includes student's name, address, and telephone number. Additionally recruiters also have access to student's social security number, standardize test scores, income level and race. Prior to No Child Left Behind public schools had strict privacy policies protecting student information from being released to any outside parties. Now public schools risk losing vital federal education funds if they do not comply with releasing student's private information to the military.

Provision 9528 is a back door amendment that is an invasion of privacy and leaves students vulnerable to aggressive military recruiting tactics both at home and on campus. With student's home addresses and phone numbers, recruiters are free to actively pursue students by mail, multiple phone calls and surprise visits at home. Recruiters can come onto school campuses and solicit students before, during and after school. Recruiters can approach students before and after classes, during breaks, and lunch as well as pull students out of class. With access to students standardize test scores, income level and race recruiters target low performing test takers, low income students, youth of Color and immigrants.

However students, parents, and legal guardians can Opt-Out to stop the release of private family information from getting into the hands of military recruiters.

Opt-Out to protect your family's private information by filling out an Opt-Out form and sending it to your local school board and/or school district superintendent. Exercise your right Opt-Out!!

Learn more about Military recruitment, the Opt-Out Campaign and how you can make a difference.