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)