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Postcard Campaign to Governor Corzine |
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Dear Governor Corzine: As members and friends of the Bloomfield-based New Jersey Peace Action (NJPA), we are very concerned about the release of students’ personal information to military recruiters under Clause 9528 of the No Child Left Behind Act. As you are aware, under this clause, public schools are required to release students’ names, addresses and phone numbers to the military, or risk losing federal funding. Students and families have the right to opt-out of having their information released, but few know of this option. Worse, many do not even know their information can be released in the first place. In 2003, a group of students in Montclair, New Jersey, launched a campaign to have opt-out forms distributed to all Montclair High School students each August with the usual registration materials. The policy was implemented, and over 90 percent of families opted out! Now students there are required to turn in these forms, consenting or not consenting to having their information released, in order to receive their schedules. In 2005, NJPA, its chapters and several allied organizations requested a hearing with the NJ State Board of Education, with the goal of establishing a uniform policy, modeled on Montclair’s, for opting out statewide. Our request was denied. I am writing now to ask that you use your power as Governor to pressure the Board to act. Recruitment in our schools is a very relevant issue today, with our country at war and the military in pressing need of more soldiers. We hope you share our views, and will do everything in your power to ensure the Board of Education grants us a fair, public hearing on this important issue. Sincerely, Name: Address: Member or friend of NJ Peace Action Date: |
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Please print and detach the following letter, sign and date it, and return it to New Jersey Peace Action, 673 Bloomfield Ave, 2nd flr, Bloomfield, NJ 07003. Remember to put your address at the bottom of the letter as well! We will send the letters to the Governor’s Office in large batches. If you are unable to print, or would like multiple copies to distribute to your friends and family, please call the NJPA office at (973)744-3263 or e-mail Maggie Astor at crcoordinator@gmail.com. We would be happy to mail you copies! |
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New Jersey Peace Action 673 Bloomfield Ave, 2nd floor Bloomfield, NJ 07003 (973) 744-3263 director@njpeaceaction.org |
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Maggie Astor Counter-Recruitment Coordinator (973) 744-3263 Monday - Friday, 11 - 4 crcoordinator@gmail.com |
