Saving American Schools from Rampant Militarism

One of the striking difference between Canada and the U.S. when it comes to public schools has to do with security. In Canada, if there's police at a school, people wonder what's wrong and get scared. In the U.S., where there's police at every school, people feel safer because they're there. But police don't protect American students from military recruiters increasingly stationed in schools nationwide, who put them in harm's way.

This difference struck me as strange as soon as I moved to the U.S. from Canada, however what has happened since in the militarization of American schools makes me worry for the present and future of the country's youth, who will inevitably take the helm in just a few years, at least those who live that long. What's being done about it by concerned parents and supporters in one community group inspires me, and I believe will inspire other parents, teachers and administrators nationwide, too, into following their courageous example.

Federal law requires public high schools to allow military recruiters access on a regular basis. The No Child Left Behind Act even requires schools to give the military recruiters the names and contact information of students -- without parental permission. Once at schools nationwide, recruiters pressure and entice students in ethically questionable ways. Their goal: to lock youths in to an eight-year service contract that can be amended and extended without their, or parental, consent.

The presence of military recruiters often dressed in camouflage gear at schools is even more  pronounced than that of police officers. But while police officers are there to protect students, military recruiters are there to recruit them. And this seems to be perfectly normal to almost everyone in the education system, at local and national levels, except the brave members of the Northwest Suburban Peace & Education Project in Chicago.

Their mission: to educate youth about peaceful options for serving their country, finding adventure, financing education and job training; and to educate and empower youth with information about the reality of military life and the military's unfulfilled promises and deceptions. The school district they work in is the second largest in Illinois, serving about 280,000 area residents. Their organizers meet monthly at a local church, and their activities have drawn both praise and criticism.

They meet their mission by setting up and manning tables in schools where military recruiters do likewise, providing potentially life-saving information about the actual life-threatening dangers of joining the military. Students gain valuable experience to put on the job resume and college applications by getting involved in publishing their groundbreaking zine and other ways. Perhaps most importantly, they present alternative career choices in environmental, social work and peacebuilding fields that students are often never exposed to.

Gaining job skills, finding money for college, helping others in need and, yes, serving the country in doing so, are tremendously empowering and life-affirming offerings that can turn this country around in a time of dire need. As a member of their advisory board, I know they are eager to work with parents, teachers, administrators and supporters across the country to save American schools from rampant militarism before it's too late.

A wealth of useful information is available on their website, as are ways to contact them to collaborate and support. Police officers at schools won't protect students from military recruiters, but you can.

Photo Credit: Northwest Suburban Peace & Education Project