Militarism in Schools
Militarism is a combination of relying too much on military force for security and glorifying military service and values. In schools, it often takes the form of fostering the belief that the primary role of the military is to defend freedom and democracy, that serving one’s country means joining the military, and that we should all support the military. These three ideas are at best highly controversial.
In addition, when schools practice military values and methods such as authoritarian decision-making, unquestioning obedience, and regimentation, and when they allow standardized tests to dominate the educational process—instead of encouraging creativity, engagement, and learning—they are practicing militarism.
MLK: Breaking the Silence
Dr. King gave this talk nearly 45 years ago, but it seems remarkably applicable today if you replace the name Viet Nam with Iraq, Iran, or the Middle East. And despite our ast resources, we have made little progress against … more
Conscientious Objection
When a person refuses to participate in war or other hostilities on moral grounds, he or she is a ‘conscientious objector’, or ’C.O.’. It is not for those who are afraid of being hurt or killed, it is for those who have … more
What Is the Military Doing in Your School?
Schools are supposed to help children learn, but too many schools simply reinforce unquestioning obedience and respect for the powers that be—and some schools support the military recruiting machine against the educational and personal interests of their students. Recruiters in … more
JROTC is a Trojan Horse
JROTC is a program of the military, by the military, and for the military. Disguised as an education program, JROTC is a ‘Trojan Horse’ the military uses to gain access to schools and potential recruits. School boards across the country, … more
Questions to Ask Your School
A. Recruiters’ Access to Personal Information About Students Student lists – The “No Child Left Behind” Act requires all secondary schools that receive federal funds to release students’ personal information, including name, address, and telephone number, to military recruiters upon … more
Recruiting in schools op-ed
Military has too much access to schools Balance needed on recruiting information Where have all the young men [and women] gone? Gone for soldiers every one When will they ever learn…. (from “Where Have all the Flowers Gone” by Pete … more
Misconduct by Recruiters
Wars and occupation by U.S. forces have increased the pressure on recruiters, and government reports show a dramatic increase in the number of incidents of misconduct by recruiters, ranging from omitting important facts to helping young people cheat to sexual … more
No Child Left Alone?
A little-known provision of the “No Child Left Behind” Act requires secondary schools to give students’ names, addresses, and telephone numbers to a military recruiter upon request. The same section also gives recruiters access to students in school. NOTE: A … more
Military Testing in Our Schools
ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) What Students, Parents, and Educators Should Know about Military Testing in High Schools NOTE: According to the Pennsylvania School Code, schools must inform parents and obtain their written permission before giving tests like the … more