Schools give “peace” recruiter same access as military
A self-proclaimed peace activist can now go into NC schools and counter recruitment efforts by the military with pitches of her own to students.
Is this the best resolution of this issue, and what do you think about recruitment programs in general? I thought it was interesting that activists maintain that recruitment programs target high schools in poor and rural areas. Don’t they also occur in some suburban schools?
By MIKE BAKER, Associated Press Writer
RALEIGH, N.C. – A rural North Carolina school district with a proud military tradition is allowing a Quaker peace activist a chance to compete with military recruiters at steering high school students to careers, attorneys said Wednesday.
For years, Sally Ferrell had been asking permission to warn students about joining the military. The Wilkes County School Board had denied her access, even though military recruiters are typically allowed in school, and school leaders had called her activities unpatriotic.
Superintendent Stephen Laws said the district and the American Civil Liberties Union reached an agreement that bars recruiters from presenting political views or attacking other occupations. He disputed the suggestion that Ferrell had not been granted equal access, arguing she was banned from schools because her criticism of the armed forces violated district policy.
“I look forward to providing truthful, job-related information about military careers — and alternatives to careers in the military,” Ferrell said in a statement. The agreement allows for information that “some may perceive as negative or discouraging.”
The settlement puts new restrictions on all types of promoters. Recruiters can no longer approach students directly, as they often do by setting up tables in cafeterias and common areas. Instead, they can only meet with students who sign up to hear about opportunities, Laws said.
Recruiters have been relying more heavily on high schools to help fill the ranks of the all-volunteer military. Thousands of people like Ferrell have responded with counter-recruiting groups, saying the military often gives misleading information.
Activists have complained the military often targets high schools in poor and rural areas, where graduating students have limited options. Wilkes County, on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 50 miles west of Winston-Salem, has been hurt by the exodus of manufacturing jobs. Its June unemployment rate was 13.2 percent.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2011 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
11 comments Add your comment
InAtlanta
August 14th, 2009
7:31 am
What does N.C. have to do with Georgia? Give me a break Maureen. Do you think Alvin WIlbanks cared when his staff was discriminately firing blacks, there was no discussion. Do you think ALvin cared enough to determine if those people deserved the $5000 raises, when other employees were completing their assignments for them. Why should Alvin have promoted an executive directoress when she had threatened her employees, not reported work injuries etc. Can’t you stick to the problems we have here in Georgia? If I am not mistaken, ALvin is going to draw over $15,000 per month in retirement benefits, do you think this is right? Do you think his salary had any influence over other superintendents salaries, or is it their job performance?
motherjanegoose
August 14th, 2009
7:31 am
I am all for peace; however, if no one is trained to defend our country then (IMHO) there will be nothing left to defend. I did not grow up in a military family. I married my husband who was in the Navy ( nearly 27 years ago) and saw the sacrifices that were made for our freedom. I continue to travel to smaller towns that contain military bases and am proud of those who serve our country.
If these graduating students have limited options are there immediate options that Sally would set up and provide or will they have no other choice but to take a menial,low paying job in their home town? Sometimes enlisting is a ticket to see things they have never seen before and for a better way of life.
I meet folks ( all the time) who have never even been out of their home state…this is nearly impossible to believe but true.
Serving in the military is no cup of tea but often it seriously broadens the world for small town kids
( my husband included) and gives them skills that will enable them to secure better jobs.
We have talked, with our children, about the various higher education opportunities available within metro Atlanta. Any child who wants to further his/her education pretty much can do so. Not true in rural areas where time, location, finances, transportation and distance can be formidable.
I am indebted to those who have served and want to thank each and every one for their commitment.
Gwinnett HIgh School Teacher
August 14th, 2009
7:35 am
“I look forward to providing truthful, job-related information about military careers — and alternatives to careers in the military,” Ferrell said in a statement. The agreement allows for information that “some may perceive as negative or discouraging.”
Why isn’t THE SCHOOL providing information about alternative careers by having career nights etc? Who is this woman and what is her careers oriented background? Many people consider themselves to be peace activists but this doesn’t mean they have accurate info and materials to present to students.
As far as the military providing misleading information, that is totally true. I have had students sign up thinking they would be getting training in one occupation as promised and then finding out there weren’t any openings in that area.
I think that organized career events with all different occupations being presented is the only equitable way to expose students to their options.
motherjanegoose
August 14th, 2009
8:00 am
@ GWHST you are correct about career events but when a High School in a small town consists of less that 50 graduating seniors, there is less interest and money to be spent on this venue and thus it may not happen. We are quite spoiled with available options in the metro. I grew up in rural Arkansas and things there were/are not quite the same as the things my children see here in Gwinnett.
Teacher, Too
August 14th, 2009
10:08 am
I get so upset when the military is denegrated as a job/career choice. It may not be the choice for everyone, but for some people, it does provide opportunities when few options are available. Serving our country is honorable.
Parent
August 14th, 2009
10:42 am
My son was called by a military recruiter who said he was representing the high school he attends in Gwinnett. My son spoke to him, said that the recruiter was polite and nice, and he did not feel pressured, but I though it was odd that access to our phone was public information, obviously through his public school record. He is a senior and has no intention of joining the military, so I know he did not sign up to be contacted-but he did not seem to mind the call.
Since he is almost 18 – I figure he will have to deal with all kinds, including credit card marketers so this is good practice. Hopefully he will be wise enough to make the same decision when confronted with the credit card folks.
I agree though with the Gwinnett High School Teacher on how career options should be presented. My two cents.
Turd Ferguson
August 14th, 2009
11:13 am
Sounds like some candy-aced johnny milktoast double talking doo gooder has gained access to our childen. SHAME!!!
motherjanegoose
August 14th, 2009
11:15 am
@ parent….it may have to do with the ASVAB test….did your son take it?
Our son did and apparently scored nearly perfect. They called here night and day. I have no experience in this matter but my husband did and he chatted with the recruiter.
Jessica
August 14th, 2009
12:02 pm
If a young adult has enough guts to join the military, he or she should be able to deal with one little peace activist. The ones who are weak-minded enough to be swayed by her don’t belong in the military in the first place.
I know that Quakers have been pacifists for centuries, and that they are sincere in their beliefs. I don’t agree with them ( I think sometimes people have to fight so that others are free to live in peace), but I respect their views. At the same time, I don’t see how you can compare what this woman wants to do with military recruiting. The recruiter is there to inform kids about a career option; the peace activist is just there to inform about her views. Is she offering the kids an alternative career path? Are the Quakers going to give jobs to the kids who decide not to join the military because of her? Does she have any path to offer that the kids won’t find at a typical career fair?
Public school mom
August 14th, 2009
4:59 pm
The Marines have talked to DeKalb county about opening a military type high school here. I have absolutely no objection to this school if it is voluntary and that is what parents and students want. However, I think my tax dollars should also be used to offer an alternative. If DeKalb wants to offer a military school then I’d like to see them also offer a school run by the Society of Friends (Quakers). Perhaps the county could do with a little more peace, conciliation and non-violent training.
Regarding NC, maybe the NC schools could invite the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, etc. on the same day that the military recruiters visit the school.
catlady
August 14th, 2009
7:04 pm
All we are saying, is GIVE PEACE A CHANCE!