Photo: AP / Wide World Photo by John M. Harris
A student at Youth Empowerment School in Oakland, Calif., joins an anti-war protest opposing the presence of military recruiters in public high schools and colleges.

By Amalia Oulahan

In the world of high school options and influences, foggy messages make navigation difficult. Trying to maintain a clear direction can be challenging, especially when it comes to dealing with recruiters. But a number of resources are available for students, parents, and teachers who want to use their moral compasses.

According to New York State Peace Action, information is the essential tool for deciphering cryptic propaganda and protesting military recruitment in schools. Students can set up their own counter-recruitment efforts, armed with fliers for their classmates explaining plans recruiters will not share and alternatives to military service. For sample brochures and facts to distribute, check out www.comdsd.org or www.afsc.org.

Students can begin now to think about their ethical opposition to war and explore the possibility of becoming official conscientious objectors. Conscientious objectors, people whose personal belief systems conflict with military service, are exempt from obligatory military involvement. In case of a draft, having a list documenting anti-war activities and beliefs in a personal file can make it easier to apply for conscientious objector status.

In many high schools where military recruiters are a big presence, conscientious objector groups are not allowed equal access to students. This inequity can be an important organizing tool for student counter-recruitment groups. For more information about conscientious objector status, see www.objector.com or contact the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors.