Minneapolis School Board unanimously restricts military recruiters

Minneapolis School Board unanimously restricts military recruiters
by Mikael Rudolph and Ann Galloway

The Minneapolis School Board last night voted unanimously to restrict military recruiters to school Career Centers, insisting that they had to apply in advance and sign in whenever they were on campus. The decision also included the stipulation that other career groups advocating “Peace” or with other perspectives on military careers would have equal access.

Last night was supposed to be for the vote only because there were two previous meetings that involved testimony. Unfortunately Recruiters in attendance had misunderstood that the board was voting to completely ban military recruiters from Minneapolis campuses. One of the three Recruiters that showed up came forward to give testimony of how he was upset that the school board was banning recruiters. The board stopped him and made clear that is not what is happening, explained the meaning of the resolution and how the process worked.

The board then re-opened the issue to discussion. Two veterans spoke out strongly against the measure but they were greatly outnumbered by the many students present as well as two members of Veterans for Peace all of whom spoke passionately in favor of the restrictions.

Six of the board members gave their thoughts on the resolution and spoke of how impressed they were with the organizing and words of the students. All seven members of the board voted in favor.

Here is the resolution as ratified:

Minneapolis Public Schools
Board of Education
February 26, 2008

RESOLUTION ON RECRUITER ACCESS TO STUDENTS

WHEREAS, the U.S. Military expends approximately $1.4 billion annually (FY 2006) in recruiting efforts; and

WHEREAS, the military has access to student directory information unless the student’s
parent has chosen to opt out as mandated by Section 9528 of the “No Child Left Behind
Act” (NCLB) which access is provided by the District under threat of loss of federal
funding for schools; and

WHEREAS, to continue its core mission of providing a free and effective education for
local youth, Minneapolis Special District No. 1 cannot sustain itself without adequate
federal funds; and

WHEREAS, questions about the extent of access by military recruiters to students
during the school day on school premises can be addressed through the standards in
the District’s visitors policy; and

WHEREAS, the Minneapolis School Board is charged with giving guidance as to policy
implementation; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of Minneapolis Public School students to receive
information about all post-secondary options available to them; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of Minneapolis Public Schools students to be
exposed to a variety of viewpoints on controversial issues which may affect their
education or welfare; and

WHEREAS, community based organizations may be valuable sources for information on
military service;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED: That the Minneapolis Special District No. 1 Board of
Education directs the Superintendent and staff to allow access to high school students
by organizations which provide information about all aspects of military service if
approved as a community partner organization through the District approval process.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that military and other recruiters may interact with
students only in school approved locations such as high school College & Career
Centers.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, to establish a standard procedure for campus access, all
recruiters requesting campus access shall submit a request in writing on official
letterhead at least 2 weeks in advance and that notice of their presence will be available
to students and the public at least 1 week in advance on either a school web site or
designated location for such announcements in the school.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: When high schools permit military recruiters to speak
with students regarding military career opportunities, the school must provide equal
access for organizations that wish to counsel alternatives to, or provide additional
information about, military service. If literature encouraging military service is displayed
for students to read or pick up, groups counseling alternatives to military service may
similarly display their literature.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That to assure privacy protection for students, entities
receiving private student directory information will sign a statement identifying the
specific use of the information and certifying that use of the information conforms with all
city, state and federal laws regarding privacy and is non-discriminatory.

[Signed]
Lydia Lee
February 26th, 2008
Board of Education Chairperson

[Signed]
Sharon Henry-Blythe
February 26th, 2008
Board of Education Clerk

(Source found on pages 32 and 33 of .pdf document)