Equal Access refers to the lawful activity of counter-recruitment in our high schools. It is explained in the 1986 ruling in San Diego Committee v. Governing Board of Grossmont Union High School District [790 F.2d 1471 (9th Cir.1986)]. In simple terms, equal access rests on the principle that once a government agency creates a forum for expressive activity on a controversial topic, access to the forum can be limited only so long as it is reasonable not a façade for viewpoint-based discrimination. If the presentation of one point of view has been allowed, the forum must also be opened to those with an opposing view. See. “Using Equal Access to Counter Militarism in High Schools ”
The above document explains the following:
In the last decade, and in particular since the U.S. invasion of Iraq, there has been increasing concern over the growing presence of the military in K-12 public schools. Groups in cities all around the country have formed to address the problem on a grassroots level, with more students, parents, educators, military veterans, and other individuals getting involved. In the effort to counter the military in secondary schools, three main organizing models have developed:
- Educational activities organized in schools by students themselves (e.g. clubs and campaigns)
- Educational outreach conducted by students and/or non-students outside of official school channels (e.g. by leafleting on public property at school entrances)
- Attempts by non-students to get information to young people through the school system itself. For non-student organizations pursuing the latter approach, the greatest challenge has been gaining access to schools.
The military has maximized its presence in the educational system by seeking the widest possible access to classrooms, career centers, counseling offices, student records, student newspapers and even elementary school playgrounds. For those wishing to counter the influence of the military, it is logical to seek ways to communicate with students on a similar scale. Clearly, it is not possible for community groups to match the resources of the military, but it IS possible to conduct an effective educational campaign once counter-recruitment activists get inside schools with their alternative message. In addition CR activists are concurrently providing specific information about higher education, jobs, apprenticeships and service options.
Resources
- Orgs
- Campaigns/projects – (leafleting description and link to the page)
* CCCO's Military Out of Our Schools Campaign
* Not Your Soldier Action Camps
* Students pass on Uncle Sam - School board policies
* Equal Access - Legal Precedents for Providing Alternative Information About the Military
* Getting a Voice at Your Public School
* Ninth CIRCUIT COURT RULING:. EQUAL ACCESS TO HIGH SCHOOLS (PDF) - Stories from the ground
* 'Counter-recruiters' shadowing the military
* Peace Activists Plan to Counter Recruiting by Military in Palm Beach Schools
* Counter-Recruitment Deserves Higher Priority on the Peace Agend - NCLB
* NCLB says schools must give military recruiters access (PDF)
* At a Glance: NCLB and High Schools (PDF)
* On Recruiting and Law: Frequently Asked Questions
