Hand out ‘opt-out’ forms at year’s start

I was both pleased and dismayed upon reading the article “Recruiting: Parents part of national campaign.” It was dismaying to learn that the military is using school information to recruit today’s youth. However, I was pleased to learn that people are taking a stand and making an effort to put this misuse of information to an end. But could more be done?

Within the past several years parents have been requesting “do not release” forms to avoid such annoyances as military recruiters. I myself have received letters and brochures at my home. My family and I find their boasts of a better life a nuisance and where else could they get my personal information but the school. Probably the most appalling thing that I read was that the principal of my very own school had the nerve to say, “There’s some kids where the military is the best answer,” as if it were his decision to make. Something must be made to correct this injustice.

I believe that the best course of action would be to have the “do not release” forms handed out at the beginning of the year with everything else we are given to sign. These forms should be clearly marked as to what you are agreeing to as opposed to the forms we have received in the past that are one mere statement. This is not a problem to be neglected something needs to be done sooner rather than later.

Linda Robertson

Everett