Op‑Out and ASVAB Policies in Monterey, CA

In Monterey County, two school districts — Salinas Union High School District (SUHSD) and Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) — have implemented policies to give students more control over whether their personal information is shared with military recruiters when they take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

Key Policy Changes

• Recruiter Release Option 8: Both districts require that Option 8 be applied district‑wide when the ASVAB is administered. This option prevents a student’s personal information — including name, address, phone number, and Social Security number — from being sent to military recruiters nnomypeace.net+1.

• MPUSD Emergency Contact Card Update: MPUSD is also revising its emergency contact form to include three new YES/NO check‑boxes in addition to existing categories. These would allow parents/guardians to give or withhold permission for:

  • Students’ personal information to be sent to military recruiters

  • Information to be sent to institutions of higher education

  • Information to be sent to prospective employers nnomypeace.net+1.

Background on ASVAB in California

Under California Department of Education (CDE) policy, schools may choose to administer the ASVAB to grades 10–12, but it is not mandatory. Schools can opt out of releasing ASVAB scores to the military. Students who wish to take the ASVAB but not be contacted by recruiters can request an opt‑out using a form provided by the ASVAB Career Exploration Program California Department of Education.

How the Policies Were Achieved

Local peace and social justice activists, including retired educators Jeanne Turner (MPUSD) and Lynn Hamilton (SUHSD), led the advocacy:

• Relational organizing: They built relationships with school staff, board members, and even administrative personnel to understand internal processes and predict support or resistance nnomypeace.net+1.

• Inside knowledge: Activists leveraged years of experience in the districts to anticipate implementation challenges and resource needs.

• Strategic alliances: They worked with data entry staff and other insiders to gather information on time, energy, and budget considerations for policy changes nnomy.org.

Lessons for Other Communities

The Monterey County case shows that:

• Know your district: Understanding school operations and board dynamics is critical.

• Build trust: Befriending staff and engaging in relational organizing can open doors to influence.

• Be prepared: Anticipate implementation logistics and have support networks in place.

These policies reflect a broader movement to give students and families more control over how their personal data is used in the context of military recruitment, and they serve as a model for other districts seeking similar protections.