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San Francisco Schools to Become Demilitarized Zones with Phase-Out of JROTC
The San Francisco Board of Education voted last night to phase out its JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) program over a two-tear period. It is believed that this is the first time any school district has eliminated an existing JROTC program.
November 15, 2006
San Francisco Schools to Become Demilitarized Zones with Phase-Out of JROTC
by Pat Gerber
The San Francisco Board of Education voted last night to phase out its JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) program over a two-tear period. It is believed that this is the first time any school district has eliminated an existing JROTC program.
This is a precious victory for the peace movement, and it provides a template for how activists in other parts of the country can demilitarize their schools.
Here is a list of arguments that were offered by members of the public during the comment segment of the meeting, plus a few arguments that would have been presented if time constraints had not limited the number of speakers:
Counter-recruitment – The presence of JROTC on campuses provides a recruiting advantage to the military that is not available to other potential employers. This violates the school district’s policy of providing equal access and to all employers and granting preferential treatment to none.
Civil rights – The Pentagon’s “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy is discriminatory. All forms of intolerance are morally wrong and fundamentally un-American, and their effects are harmful to society at large as well as to the individuals who are on the receiving end of sub-standard treatment. Prejudice against people based on sexual orientation is as much an abomination as any other flavor of bigotry.
De-militarization of campuses – The militarization of culture, which has historically accompanied wars here and in other countries, is undesirable and should not be promoted in our schools.
JROTC encourages students to join the military -- Those who deny that JROTC funnels students toward military careers are presumed to be unaware of the Pentagon’s belief that JROTC and college ROTC constitute one of its best recruitment strategies. One recent high school graduate spoke movingly about a classmate who returned from Iraq without legs, making the point that JROTC contributed to his friend’s being put in harm’s way.
JROTC discourages thinking for oneself – The State of California educational guidelines require schools to teach critical thinking skills. The military requires its personnel to obey orders without thinking, which is the antithesis of the schools’ mission.
Purpose of education – We are not educating our youth so that they can suffer lifelong damage, physical or emotional, as a result of participating in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Stop-loss orders and multiple deployments increase the probability that a soldier will suffer some form of injury. While no one knows exactly how many are affected, strong anecdotal evidence leads to the conclusion that many, quite possibly most, military personnel who are sent to war zones are irreversibly damaged as a result of their service.
Not postponing this decision – A speaker who favored retaining JROTC asked Board members to join him on a trip to Washington, D.C., to consult with Barney Frank (an openly gay member of the House of Representatives who was just elected to the Senate) about changing the Pentagon’s policy regarding LGBT servicemen and women. The counter-argument was made that if this man succeeded in his effort, then the Board could address the question of whether to bring back JROTC at that time.
Gang prevention – An argument was made that JROTC prevents students from joining gangs or otherwise getting into trouble. The Board will examine other programs that help students by providing leadership preparation, self-esteem training, or other benefits.
Cost – The school district will not suffer financially if JROTC is eliminated. Also, while it is assumed that an undetermined number of students derive a high degree of personal benefit from participating in JROTC, it is not certain that spending scarce education dollars on this represents the highest and best use of that money. No one has yet performed a cost-benefit analysis to calculate whether JROTC delivers better value on a per-dollar basis than other activities, e.g. afterschool programs aimed at preventing violence.
The Board of Education members who voted in favor of eliminating JROTC San Francisco’s schools are (in alphabetical order) Dr. Dan Kelly, a Vietnam War resister; Sarah Lipson, a mother of school-aged children; Eric Mar, a very smart progressive thinker; and Mark Sanchez, the openly gay Commissioner who first proposed this idea. They deserve our applause and our thanks for their courageous stand.
San Francisco Schools to Become Demilitarized Zones with Phase-Out of JROTC
by Pat Gerber
The San Francisco Board of Education voted last night to phase out its JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) program over a two-tear period. It is believed that this is the first time any school district has eliminated an existing JROTC program.
This is a precious victory for the peace movement, and it provides a template for how activists in other parts of the country can demilitarize their schools.
Here is a list of arguments that were offered by members of the public during the comment segment of the meeting, plus a few arguments that would have been presented if time constraints had not limited the number of speakers:
Counter-recruitment – The presence of JROTC on campuses provides a recruiting advantage to the military that is not available to other potential employers. This violates the school district’s policy of providing equal access and to all employers and granting preferential treatment to none.
Civil rights – The Pentagon’s “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy is discriminatory. All forms of intolerance are morally wrong and fundamentally un-American, and their effects are harmful to society at large as well as to the individuals who are on the receiving end of sub-standard treatment. Prejudice against people based on sexual orientation is as much an abomination as any other flavor of bigotry.
De-militarization of campuses – The militarization of culture, which has historically accompanied wars here and in other countries, is undesirable and should not be promoted in our schools.
JROTC encourages students to join the military -- Those who deny that JROTC funnels students toward military careers are presumed to be unaware of the Pentagon’s belief that JROTC and college ROTC constitute one of its best recruitment strategies. One recent high school graduate spoke movingly about a classmate who returned from Iraq without legs, making the point that JROTC contributed to his friend’s being put in harm’s way.
JROTC discourages thinking for oneself – The State of California educational guidelines require schools to teach critical thinking skills. The military requires its personnel to obey orders without thinking, which is the antithesis of the schools’ mission.
Purpose of education – We are not educating our youth so that they can suffer lifelong damage, physical or emotional, as a result of participating in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Stop-loss orders and multiple deployments increase the probability that a soldier will suffer some form of injury. While no one knows exactly how many are affected, strong anecdotal evidence leads to the conclusion that many, quite possibly most, military personnel who are sent to war zones are irreversibly damaged as a result of their service.
Not postponing this decision – A speaker who favored retaining JROTC asked Board members to join him on a trip to Washington, D.C., to consult with Barney Frank (an openly gay member of the House of Representatives who was just elected to the Senate) about changing the Pentagon’s policy regarding LGBT servicemen and women. The counter-argument was made that if this man succeeded in his effort, then the Board could address the question of whether to bring back JROTC at that time.
Gang prevention – An argument was made that JROTC prevents students from joining gangs or otherwise getting into trouble. The Board will examine other programs that help students by providing leadership preparation, self-esteem training, or other benefits.
Cost – The school district will not suffer financially if JROTC is eliminated. Also, while it is assumed that an undetermined number of students derive a high degree of personal benefit from participating in JROTC, it is not certain that spending scarce education dollars on this represents the highest and best use of that money. No one has yet performed a cost-benefit analysis to calculate whether JROTC delivers better value on a per-dollar basis than other activities, e.g. afterschool programs aimed at preventing violence.
The Board of Education members who voted in favor of eliminating JROTC San Francisco’s schools are (in alphabetical order) Dr. Dan Kelly, a Vietnam War resister; Sarah Lipson, a mother of school-aged children; Eric Mar, a very smart progressive thinker; and Mark Sanchez, the openly gay Commissioner who first proposed this idea. They deserve our applause and our thanks for their courageous stand.
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Wow, the author of this article didn't even attempt to look at both sides of the issue. The SF JROTC program itself does not discriminate against homosexuals. Do you really beleive banning a program that includes homosexuals is going to be good for anyone? Perhaps one day, if many homosexuals do join the military they may eventually work to change the militaries policy. Probably will take even longer to happen if this policy expands to other cities.
Several other points are clearly one sided. Stating "Here are opinions that were stated, or would have been stated time permitting" is really stretching validity. Especially since no opinions were stated that were pro-JROTC.
Also stating that no monetary problems would result is misleading. The military pays for half of the JROTC program. If the program is to be replaced, the money must come from the people of the city. As it certainly will not be coming from the military. But that is ok, the kids can just join gangs. That is at least free. It is not good for society, but it is free. And it will keep our schools from being "militarized".
The Liberal mantra that "the military teaches people to follow orders" is completely out of date too. The military also teaches leadership skills and a lot of critical thinking. If the CO and ranking NCO are incapacitated, the military personel are required to complete the mission. In the best way they see possible. Saving ones own life and the lives of your brothers-in-arms while accomplishing a mission is very critical.
Banning JROTC in SF will not be the end of the world. There are still patriots willing to fight for freedom in the USA. Even the freedom to be anti-military. But when it comes to war, I say we build the POW camps in SF. That way perhaps San Franciscans will learn what freedom means.
Several other points are clearly one sided. Stating "Here are opinions that were stated, or would have been stated time permitting" is really stretching validity. Especially since no opinions were stated that were pro-JROTC.
Also stating that no monetary problems would result is misleading. The military pays for half of the JROTC program. If the program is to be replaced, the money must come from the people of the city. As it certainly will not be coming from the military. But that is ok, the kids can just join gangs. That is at least free. It is not good for society, but it is free. And it will keep our schools from being "militarized".
The Liberal mantra that "the military teaches people to follow orders" is completely out of date too. The military also teaches leadership skills and a lot of critical thinking. If the CO and ranking NCO are incapacitated, the military personel are required to complete the mission. In the best way they see possible. Saving ones own life and the lives of your brothers-in-arms while accomplishing a mission is very critical.
Banning JROTC in SF will not be the end of the world. There are still patriots willing to fight for freedom in the USA. Even the freedom to be anti-military. But when it comes to war, I say we build the POW camps in SF. That way perhaps San Franciscans will learn what freedom means.
It is a shameful day when the board of education will allow a child to undergo a dangerous medical procedure without parental permission, but forbid children in bettering their lives with parental permission. It is no wonder that this country is becoming a terrible place to live in. Some laws seem to help family members keep secrets from one another. And now the ROTC, a respectable club that teaches discipline which parents have a difficult time doing in this epoch, is being removed from our schools. It this club is being removed, all clubs need to be removed.
This B.O.E. should be voted out of their position as a example of what should happen to politicians who put pocket books before good American values.
This B.O.E. should be voted out of their position as a example of what should happen to politicians who put pocket books before good American values.
I felt I must write after learning of the SFUSD Board's decision to ban JROTC units. I am hoping that you might pass some information along to some Board members (who did not allow the parents to choose via a democratic vote) who made this decision.
In one inner city close to me in Massachusetts, the AFJROTC Drill Team reigns supreme! Are your members aware of what a Drill Team is and how difficult it is to be named one of the best in the nation? Are your members aware that it takes hours and hours of practice and dedication to the team and to ones own self in order to succeed and achieve greatness? Did you know that this particular unit is involved in the community with various projects? In the AFJROTC unit, these kids have found camaraderie, confidence, self-worth and a feeling of acceptance and community. These important items are due to their AFJROTC unit and participation on the Drill Team. As these kids are from an inner city, I am certain you might be able to guess their familial and socio-economic circumstances. My son is in AFJROTC in NH and his Drill Team continues to loose the trophy to the better, more disciplined unit from the inner city in Massachusetts! Believe me when I say that those kids in that particular unit are something special!
Perhaps the idea was to send the military a message that their policy of "don't ask don't tell" was offensive to some San Francisco residents, or maybe it was just to send a message that the belief in the inherent goodness of the Military has gone along the wayside. Regardless of the intention, the unintended consequences are sure to be more teenagers with more time on their hands, unsupervised and surrounded by those who might be unsavory. Instead of becoming involved in JROTC and learning confidence, self-discipline and self-worth (and maybe an appreciation of the military), those who may have joined will be left to their own devices without any positive influence.
I am also wondering if the Board knows the average of those JROTC students that actually enter the Military? My own son is in an AFJROTC unit and in these 4 years of his participation there have been only 6 graduating kids out of 213 in the Unit that have entered the Military! Perhaps the Board was concerned that the kids needed protection from JROTC "recruiters"?
I am hoping and begging, on behalf of those children whose lives have been positively impacted and maybe have even been turned around due to their involvement in JROTC, that the Board reconsider. If your Board dislikes the Military and their policies, then they should take their issues to the Military on the National level! Using the JROTC program as a pawn is unbecoming of professionals who are suppose to be ensuring that children have every opportunity possible to become well-rounded adults!
At the very least, the Parents of the District should be allowed a democratic vote on this!
Thank you for your time!
In one inner city close to me in Massachusetts, the AFJROTC Drill Team reigns supreme! Are your members aware of what a Drill Team is and how difficult it is to be named one of the best in the nation? Are your members aware that it takes hours and hours of practice and dedication to the team and to ones own self in order to succeed and achieve greatness? Did you know that this particular unit is involved in the community with various projects? In the AFJROTC unit, these kids have found camaraderie, confidence, self-worth and a feeling of acceptance and community. These important items are due to their AFJROTC unit and participation on the Drill Team. As these kids are from an inner city, I am certain you might be able to guess their familial and socio-economic circumstances. My son is in AFJROTC in NH and his Drill Team continues to loose the trophy to the better, more disciplined unit from the inner city in Massachusetts! Believe me when I say that those kids in that particular unit are something special!
Perhaps the idea was to send the military a message that their policy of "don't ask don't tell" was offensive to some San Francisco residents, or maybe it was just to send a message that the belief in the inherent goodness of the Military has gone along the wayside. Regardless of the intention, the unintended consequences are sure to be more teenagers with more time on their hands, unsupervised and surrounded by those who might be unsavory. Instead of becoming involved in JROTC and learning confidence, self-discipline and self-worth (and maybe an appreciation of the military), those who may have joined will be left to their own devices without any positive influence.
I am also wondering if the Board knows the average of those JROTC students that actually enter the Military? My own son is in an AFJROTC unit and in these 4 years of his participation there have been only 6 graduating kids out of 213 in the Unit that have entered the Military! Perhaps the Board was concerned that the kids needed protection from JROTC "recruiters"?
I am hoping and begging, on behalf of those children whose lives have been positively impacted and maybe have even been turned around due to their involvement in JROTC, that the Board reconsider. If your Board dislikes the Military and their policies, then they should take their issues to the Military on the National level! Using the JROTC program as a pawn is unbecoming of professionals who are suppose to be ensuring that children have every opportunity possible to become well-rounded adults!
At the very least, the Parents of the District should be allowed a democratic vote on this!
Thank you for your time!
Questioning JROTC
JROTC Doesn't Deliver: Alternatives Do!JROTC Wastes Scarce School FundsJROTC Forces Loss of Local ControlJROTC Textbooks are BiasedJROTC is a Recruiting Program for Dead-End Military JobsTeach Peace Not WarMilitary Out of Our SchoolsBefore You Enlist, Find Out the FactsDonate to CCCOSubscribe to our monthly newsletter: |
Why Question the Military's JROTC Program?School boards across the country, from Richmond, CA to Roane County, WV, are saying no to the Junior Reserve Officers Training Program (JROTC). They're finding JROTC too controversial, too likely to promote violence, too expensive, too controlled by Washington, too discriminatory, and too much at odds with the goal of creating critically-thinking students in gun-free schools. Have you looked at JROTC lately?
JROTC Promotes Violence, Gangs, & GunsInstead of an alternative to violence, JROTC brings guns into the schools. Often, JROTC teaches students to use them. Students in a JROTC unit in Long Beach formed a military-style gang and murdered one of their members. In Detroit, a student shot another student in the hall of the school on the orders of the student gang (and JROTC) leader. In Arizona, a camouflage-clad JROTC student murdered 9 Buddhist monks. In SF, CA, a student's eardrum was broken in a hazing ritual that had gone on, with JROTC instructors' knowledge, for years. This doesn't happen in math classes, so why here? Military training glorifies war. Ninety percent of all JROTC programs train students to fire rifles or pistols. All of them drill with guns and teach military history, customs, traditions, and beliefs. In JROTC, too many kids learn, from example, that violence is acceptable. JROTC Costs Districts Tens of Thousands of DollarsWhile most school districts face budget shortfalls and cutbacks, JROTC drains resources from constructive programs. JROTC units cost districts about $50,000 per school and often require expensive modifications to school facilities. In the 1995-1996 school year, the New York City Board of Education spent $398,000; San Francisco spent $570,000; and Atlanta spent $1.5 million to subsidize the Pentagon. JROTC Teaches Passivity, Not Leadership or Critical ThoughtLearning to march and obey without thought is not preparation for a high-tech future. Yet that's what JROTC emphasizes. The Army JROTC text, LET 1(Leadership, Education, and Training), p. 87, states, "When troops react to command rather than thought, the result is more than just a good-looking ceremony or parade. Drill has been and will continue to be the backbone of military discipline." Almost all schools feel that one of their primary missions is to teach critical thinking. Yet JROTC promotes unquestioning, amoral obedience. The Navy JROTC text, Naval Science 1, p. 24, calls for "...Loyalty to those above us in the chain of command, whether or not we agree with them." This is authoritarianism, not democratic leadership. JROTC Violates the Principle of Local ControlThe Pentagon dictates JROTC curriculum, textbooks, and course content. JROTC instructors are often paid higher net salaries despite not having to meet District qualification standards. JROTC instructors aren't required to have college degrees. They are not credentialed in the academic subjects that JROTC claims to teach. JROTC Targets Low Income CommunitiesFifty-four percent of JROTC participants nationwide are students of color. JROTC graduates are recruited directly into the lowest military ranks. The military targets low-income schools in the same way tobacco & alcohol companies target low-income communities. The results are equally deadly. Half the military's front-line troops are people of color. JROTC Textbooks are Biased and BigotedThe Army JROTC textbook LET 3, p. 185, trumpets, "Fortunately for the Army, the government policy of pushing the Indians farther west then wiping them out was carried out successfully." In addition to this celebration of brutal racism, women are almost invisible in JROTC textbooks. Veterans with disabilities and gay veterans are excluded from receiving the Pentagon authorization required to become a JROTC instructor. JROTC DiscriminatesJROTC discriminates against students and instructors who are gay, lesbian or bisexual, people with disabilities and immigrants. JROTC Is a Military Recruiting Program, Not a "Way Out"According to Lt. Commander Ray Kempisty, Public Affairs Officer, national headquarters of NJROTC, "Approximately 50% of all NJROTC program graduates enter military service." Army JROTC figures are similar. The military is not a "way out" for low-income youth. The DoD advertises financial aid for college. However, between 1986 and 1993, the military actually took $720 million more from GIs in non-refundable deposits than they paid out in college benefits, according to a report in Army Times. Military job training is also a myth. Only 12% of male veterans and 6% of female veterans report using skills learned in the military in their current jobs. In fact, according to the Veterans Administration, veterans overall earn less than non-veterans, 1/3 of homeless men are veterans, and at least 20% of Federal and state prisoners are veterans. Even former Secretary of Defense Cheney admitted, "The reason to have a military is to be prepared to fight and win wars. That is our basic fundamental mission. The military is not a social welfare agency, it's not a jobs program." JROTC is a program of the military, by the military, and for the military. Disguised as an education program, JROTC is a Trojan Horse the military uses to gain access to schools and potential recruits. |
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Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors
info@objector.org
405 14th Street #205 Oakland, CA 94612 510-465-1617 Fax 510 465-24591515 Cherry St Philadelphia, PA 19102 215-563-8787 Fax 215-567-2096 http://www.objector.org
For more information:
http://www.objector.org/jrotc/why.html
"Ninety percent of all JROTC programs train students to fire rifles or pistols"
Funny, I don't seem to remember them letting us shoot anything more than an air rifle. Like once in three years. Blah.
Lets see, what else do we have here...
"Instead of an alternative to violence, JROTC brings guns into the schools. Often, JROTC teaches students to use them. Students in a JROTC unit in Long Beach formed a military-style gang and murdered one of their members. In Detroit, a student shot another student in the hall of the school on the orders of the student gang (and JROTC) leader. In Arizona, a camouflage-clad JROTC student murdered 9 Buddhist monks. In SF, CA, a student's eardrum was broken in a hazing ritual that had gone on, with JROTC instructors' knowledge, for years."
That's right folks, JROTC=School Massacres. Very classy.
"JROTC Teaches Passivity, Not Leadership or Critical Thought"
like the rest of high school curriculum.
Funny, I don't seem to remember them letting us shoot anything more than an air rifle. Like once in three years. Blah.
Lets see, what else do we have here...
"Instead of an alternative to violence, JROTC brings guns into the schools. Often, JROTC teaches students to use them. Students in a JROTC unit in Long Beach formed a military-style gang and murdered one of their members. In Detroit, a student shot another student in the hall of the school on the orders of the student gang (and JROTC) leader. In Arizona, a camouflage-clad JROTC student murdered 9 Buddhist monks. In SF, CA, a student's eardrum was broken in a hazing ritual that had gone on, with JROTC instructors' knowledge, for years."
That's right folks, JROTC=School Massacres. Very classy.
"JROTC Teaches Passivity, Not Leadership or Critical Thought"
like the rest of high school curriculum.
The school board should be ashamed of itself. All of the arguments that were presented were totally false. As a three year JROTC student myself, I can personally say that the ROTC program does not encourage military involvement. It instead teaches leadership, honor, and self discipline.
And, parental notification does not equal parental involvement.
This is in response to the statement above...
This is in response to the statement above...
What an embarrassment for the City of San Francisco. The elimination of the JROTC program sends the world the message that San Francisco does not allow freedom of choice to 1,600 of their students, as well as their parents. While many consider the City to be “progressive’, actions like this clearly indicate that it is “regressive”. The use of the City’s students to make a political statement should be considered a form of child abuse. Shame on you San Francisco.
On November 14h, Tuesday evening, the San Francisco Unified School District School Board voted to phase out the Jr. ROTC (JROTC) program in San Francisco high schools over a two year period. True to its parochial nature the program was killed by the SFUSD Board in a 4-2 vote. How ironic that this action followed the weekend of Veteran’s Day. This was a popular program where young participants learned marching drills, were taught leadership skills and they were able to take pride in their accomplishments. Pat Gerber had this to say:
"This is a precious victory for the peace movement, and it provides a template for how activists in other parts of the country can demilitarize their schools."
Translation: Coming to a city near you!
"Here is a list of arguments that were offered by members of the public during the comment segment of the meeting, plus a few arguments that would have been presented if time constraints had not limited the number of speakers:
Counter-recruitment – The presence of JROTC on campuses provides a recruiting advantage to the military that is not available to other potential employers. This violates the school district’s policy of providing equal access and to all employers and granting preferential treatment to none.
De-militarization of campuses – The militarization of culture, which has historically accompanied wars here and in other countries, is undesirable and should not be promoted in our schools."
<b>JROTC discourages thinking for oneself – The State of California educational guidelines require schools to teach critical thinking skills. The military requires its personnel to obey orders without thinking, which is the antithesis of the schools’ mission.</b> (My emphasis)
Sounds to be in the same spirit as John Kerry’s roof raising “You Get Stuck in Iraq” comment doesn’t it? Illustrates leftist’s default opinion on those who serve in the military; since they follow orders they have little in the way of critical thinking skills. Pathetic.
One flimsy pretext to this program closure is provided by activist SFUSD Board member Mark Sanchez in SF Chronicle’s Open Forum piece on November 9th:
T"he U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy toward gays and lesbians prevents JROTC from employing openly gay instructors and bars openly gay students from the preferential enlistment opportunities that are among JROTC's touted benefits."
Quite laughable when there are openly gay members of the JROTC who actively participate in the program.
As of yet there is nothing yet to replace the JROTC program. Expect some feel good program to be installed that costs twice as much and gets next to nothing for results like former teacher Nancy Mancias suggests, "We need to teach a curriculum of peace." Boy I can’t wait for that.
A post by Carly on the SFUSD Board’s decision in the comments section IndyBay.org:
"I am also wondering if the Board knows the average of those JROTC students that actually enter the Military? My own son is in an AFJROTC unit and in these 4 years of his participation there have been only 6 graduating kids out of 213 in the Unit that have entered the Military! Perhaps the Board was concerned that the kids needed protection from JROTC "recruiters"?
I am hoping and begging, on behalf of those children whose lives have been positively impacted and maybe have even been turned around due to their involvement in JROTC, that the Board reconsider. If your Board dislikes the Military and their policies, then they should take their issues to the Military on the National level! Using the JROTC program as a pawn is unbecoming of professionals who are suppose to be ensuring that children have every opportunity possible to become well-rounded adults!
At the very least, the Parents of the District should be allowed a democratic vote on this!"
You forget Carly that you’re dealing with entrenched educrats. They have an “enlightened” opinion so certainly they know best.
The California Conservative blog has lots more:
http://www.californiaconservative.org/liberals/san-francisco-school-board-votes-to-dump-jrotc-program/#more-4078
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/1998/01/04/ED16249.DTL
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/11/15/BAG2HMD46B1.DTL
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2006/11/15/BAG2HMD46B1.DTL&o=1
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/11/09/EDG8EM8OIE1.DTL
"This is a precious victory for the peace movement, and it provides a template for how activists in other parts of the country can demilitarize their schools."
Translation: Coming to a city near you!
"Here is a list of arguments that were offered by members of the public during the comment segment of the meeting, plus a few arguments that would have been presented if time constraints had not limited the number of speakers:
Counter-recruitment – The presence of JROTC on campuses provides a recruiting advantage to the military that is not available to other potential employers. This violates the school district’s policy of providing equal access and to all employers and granting preferential treatment to none.
De-militarization of campuses – The militarization of culture, which has historically accompanied wars here and in other countries, is undesirable and should not be promoted in our schools."
<b>JROTC discourages thinking for oneself – The State of California educational guidelines require schools to teach critical thinking skills. The military requires its personnel to obey orders without thinking, which is the antithesis of the schools’ mission.</b> (My emphasis)
Sounds to be in the same spirit as John Kerry’s roof raising “You Get Stuck in Iraq” comment doesn’t it? Illustrates leftist’s default opinion on those who serve in the military; since they follow orders they have little in the way of critical thinking skills. Pathetic.
One flimsy pretext to this program closure is provided by activist SFUSD Board member Mark Sanchez in SF Chronicle’s Open Forum piece on November 9th:
T"he U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy toward gays and lesbians prevents JROTC from employing openly gay instructors and bars openly gay students from the preferential enlistment opportunities that are among JROTC's touted benefits."
Quite laughable when there are openly gay members of the JROTC who actively participate in the program.
As of yet there is nothing yet to replace the JROTC program. Expect some feel good program to be installed that costs twice as much and gets next to nothing for results like former teacher Nancy Mancias suggests, "We need to teach a curriculum of peace." Boy I can’t wait for that.
A post by Carly on the SFUSD Board’s decision in the comments section IndyBay.org:
"I am also wondering if the Board knows the average of those JROTC students that actually enter the Military? My own son is in an AFJROTC unit and in these 4 years of his participation there have been only 6 graduating kids out of 213 in the Unit that have entered the Military! Perhaps the Board was concerned that the kids needed protection from JROTC "recruiters"?
I am hoping and begging, on behalf of those children whose lives have been positively impacted and maybe have even been turned around due to their involvement in JROTC, that the Board reconsider. If your Board dislikes the Military and their policies, then they should take their issues to the Military on the National level! Using the JROTC program as a pawn is unbecoming of professionals who are suppose to be ensuring that children have every opportunity possible to become well-rounded adults!
At the very least, the Parents of the District should be allowed a democratic vote on this!"
You forget Carly that you’re dealing with entrenched educrats. They have an “enlightened” opinion so certainly they know best.
The California Conservative blog has lots more:
http://www.californiaconservative.org/liberals/san-francisco-school-board-votes-to-dump-jrotc-program/#more-4078
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/1998/01/04/ED16249.DTL
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/11/15/BAG2HMD46B1.DTL
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2006/11/15/BAG2HMD46B1.DTL&o=1
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/11/09/EDG8EM8OIE1.DTL
I think the issue of gay discrimination concerning ROTC is a specious argument. The argument should be solely that we want to study peace not war and we don't want anyone in the military gay or otherwise. Our military is draining our treasury, destroying young lives and giving credence to the idea we can solve problems with violence. We should not perpetuate war machines but figure out another way to protect ourselves when necessary without destroying half the world to do so or inculcating the idea of militarism that requires blind acceptance.
I asked some of the folks about this vote using email. Dan Kelly is at least up front about his bigotry in regards to the military, and he replied.
'I don't think there is any reasonable validation for our district to spend money on this program.' Dan Kelly
He's excusing the use of children to make a political point with a dollar sign. I'd say this places the LGBT community fully into main stream society with our own line of bigots. Does it matter if the bigotry is over politics? No.
'I don't think there is any reasonable validation for our district to spend money on this program.' Dan Kelly
He's excusing the use of children to make a political point with a dollar sign. I'd say this places the LGBT community fully into main stream society with our own line of bigots. Does it matter if the bigotry is over politics? No.
It is totally unacceptable that JROTC has been taken out of the High Schools in one of the country’s most beautiful cities. While I am an active member of the United States Marine Corps, military education was only a very small part of what I gained out of my experience in four years of high school JROTC. It provided me a way to explore my leadership potential as well as boosted my self esteem. It should be noted that only a small amount of students participating in JROTC actually join the military, probably no more that students who don’t. JROTC, for many students, is one of the only ways to feel like they are actually achieving something while in school that is tangible. While JROTC is a tool that recruiters use to find people who are more eligible and willing to join today’s all volunteer forces, it by no means has any of the same stringent rules that the regular military forces have. JROTC does not employ the “Don’t ask, don’t tell" policy, and in most schools they do not require you to have a strict haircut or that you even can march well. One thing that the class does, or at least it did for most that I know that have gone through it, is that students are required to maintain a descent GPA in order to advance in the course. So what the San Francisco school district is saying is that they are so against the military in all forms that they are willing to ban this very productive and positive program just because they don’t like that the uniforms are similar to those that serve.
Jason Gold
Sergeant
United States Marine Corps
Jason Gold
Sergeant
United States Marine Corps
I'm a student in San Francisco. I've been in the JROTC program here since my freshman year. I'd like to ask Pat Gerber- have you ever bothered to step foot inside a JROTC classroom and listen in to one of our classes? Do you know about the hundreds of volunteer hours we put in each year- working with the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, Castro Street Fair, International Coastal Beach Clean-up Day, Beautification Day, Thanksgiving Food Drive, GLIDE food kitchen, etc? Do you understand what this program means to over a thousand of us? Do you know how many of us are on teams- teams that mean the world to us? Do you realize that the majority of students, whether JROTC or non-JROTC, teachers, principals, PTAs, families, and friends support this program? Oh, but you don't have to, because JROTC students wear those "green army uniforms" once a month and they walk around like the army, so that obviously means they're all going to go to Iraq and kill people. You accuse us of discrimination? Do you not see the many openly gay students who are our commanders and teammates? Do you not know about Bobby Cheung- Mr. Transgender 2004- who was on the Boy's Drill Team and the highest ranking student in the whole San Francisco JROTC program? When he was still a young female in JROTC, he joined the Boy's Drill Team. One commander at Galileo, a young gay man, is on the Girl's Drill Team. Last time I checked, girls can't join the boy's sports teams in our schools. You and people like you are the only ones who are discriminating here.
JROTC is the one place where other students didn't stereotype me, the one place where I wasn't that "insignificant Asian girl". I am responsible for 20 underclassmen now, and my self esteem, confidence, and motivation in life has risen greatly because of this program. I am also a team commander, chosen based on merit and hard work. Before, many adults I knew questioned me- how could I lead a team? Would students be willing to have a Chinese girl as their leader? Only my JROTC teammates and instructors gave me support. Almost every single team commander/captain in SF JROTC is Asian American. We are provided with so many leadership opportunities and life skills. Your readiness to sacrifice the most important thing in our lives is disgusting. I was not born in the US, but I love San Francisco and the U.S- which I consider my country- but I am ashamed that adults like you run this place. You are no better than the politicians in Washington. We're just another expendable casualty on your war against Bush. Good job, I hope you're proud of yourselves- because we will no longer have anything to be proud of ourselves.
JROTC is the one place where other students didn't stereotype me, the one place where I wasn't that "insignificant Asian girl". I am responsible for 20 underclassmen now, and my self esteem, confidence, and motivation in life has risen greatly because of this program. I am also a team commander, chosen based on merit and hard work. Before, many adults I knew questioned me- how could I lead a team? Would students be willing to have a Chinese girl as their leader? Only my JROTC teammates and instructors gave me support. Almost every single team commander/captain in SF JROTC is Asian American. We are provided with so many leadership opportunities and life skills. Your readiness to sacrifice the most important thing in our lives is disgusting. I was not born in the US, but I love San Francisco and the U.S- which I consider my country- but I am ashamed that adults like you run this place. You are no better than the politicians in Washington. We're just another expendable casualty on your war against Bush. Good job, I hope you're proud of yourselves- because we will no longer have anything to be proud of ourselves.
After reading many of the Pro-Ban comments on this website, it has become clear to me that there are far to many people that retain a world view that is dangerously ignorant. My guess is that most of the ban supporters have never been in the military, don't know anyone in the military, and have never thought critically about what the military really does. Here is a clue: What you are watching for 20 minutes on CNN every night to keep yourself "informed" is not the whole picture.
The ban on JROTC does not represent a de-militarization of the schools but another step in the process to turn society against the military as a whole. Not only its principles, but its members as well. Is there anyone in the pro-ban crowd who would honestly like to sit down with me and learn about the military from the viewpoint of someone who is serving and has served in combat? Is there anyone from that community that believes that my world view might not be completely shaped by what I have experienced in the military?
JROTC probably wasn't going to brainwash those 1600 kids into entering the military. It wasn't teaching them to be robots. The truth is that our military wouldn't be nearly as effective as it is without people that could think and it tries to instill that in all its members. JROTC was probably the most beneficial thing these kids were participating in and it is clear that the school board put politics and radical ideals above the welfare of students. Good job San Francisco, you once again demonstrated that you are progressing in the wrong direction.
The ban on JROTC does not represent a de-militarization of the schools but another step in the process to turn society against the military as a whole. Not only its principles, but its members as well. Is there anyone in the pro-ban crowd who would honestly like to sit down with me and learn about the military from the viewpoint of someone who is serving and has served in combat? Is there anyone from that community that believes that my world view might not be completely shaped by what I have experienced in the military?
JROTC probably wasn't going to brainwash those 1600 kids into entering the military. It wasn't teaching them to be robots. The truth is that our military wouldn't be nearly as effective as it is without people that could think and it tries to instill that in all its members. JROTC was probably the most beneficial thing these kids were participating in and it is clear that the school board put politics and radical ideals above the welfare of students. Good job San Francisco, you once again demonstrated that you are progressing in the wrong direction.
Well,
If the ROTC is to blame for children learning about violence, I suppose we should eliminate all ways children learn about violence. Let's start by taking history away. Why do we teach our children about wars and nazis and such. Furthermore, the news is a terrible influence on children. All forms of news nees to be baned, or at least have some kind of parental control. Oh, and don't forget telivision shows, video games, and popular music/rap. Furthermore, the rating system on movies needs to be redone. The violence G-rated films gets away with is astounding.
The ROTC trains discipline, not violence. And before you go and blame a wonderful organizaion for the crimes of a minute% of participating individuals, I think you need to study up on what else those individuals are involved in. Quit skewing stats.
If the ROTC is to blame for children learning about violence, I suppose we should eliminate all ways children learn about violence. Let's start by taking history away. Why do we teach our children about wars and nazis and such. Furthermore, the news is a terrible influence on children. All forms of news nees to be baned, or at least have some kind of parental control. Oh, and don't forget telivision shows, video games, and popular music/rap. Furthermore, the rating system on movies needs to be redone. The violence G-rated films gets away with is astounding.
The ROTC trains discipline, not violence. And before you go and blame a wonderful organizaion for the crimes of a minute% of participating individuals, I think you need to study up on what else those individuals are involved in. Quit skewing stats.
This is one of the most closed-minded articles I have ever read. I am currently enrolled in an AFJROTC course. We are not taught to blindly follow. We are not trained in the use of guns. There is NO hazing within our corps.
Please take not of how I said 'our' corps. In AFJROTC, we are a family. AFJROTC has brought me closer to people that I would have never thought twice about. AFJROTC has a way of overridinf all social cliques, races, and culture barriers.
Our classes are always the most lively. We have far more open discussions.
You know what they teach us?
The Cadet Honor Code: We will not lie, cheat, or steal; nor tolerate any among us who does.
Yes, we learn military history, but only if we choose to.
We are given the opportunity to participate in how things work.
We compete for fun in Group Leadership Activities.
I cant think of a single AFJROTC class that I didn't enjoy.
When's the last math class you smiled every single day in?
http://www.la-801afjrotc.org
If AFJROTC were taken away at my school, I dont know what some of us would do. We love our corps.
Please take not of how I said 'our' corps. In AFJROTC, we are a family. AFJROTC has brought me closer to people that I would have never thought twice about. AFJROTC has a way of overridinf all social cliques, races, and culture barriers.
Our classes are always the most lively. We have far more open discussions.
You know what they teach us?
The Cadet Honor Code: We will not lie, cheat, or steal; nor tolerate any among us who does.
Yes, we learn military history, but only if we choose to.
We are given the opportunity to participate in how things work.
We compete for fun in Group Leadership Activities.
I cant think of a single AFJROTC class that I didn't enjoy.
When's the last math class you smiled every single day in?
http://www.la-801afjrotc.org
If AFJROTC were taken away at my school, I dont know what some of us would do. We love our corps.
Saying a junior Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp is about high minded ideals and group bonding is silly. The truth is, it isnt even about getting kids trained to be "Reserve Officers" and is more about getting them trained to be grunts (in the Reserve perhaps nut not officers). It also plays into a fairly fascist view of bringing the poor and youth up by their bootsraps through pagentry and military discipline. Cultures heading in authoritarian directions love to train youth in "leadership" (meaning following orders and getting others to follow those same orders) and military pagentry (whose worship of which could almost directly describe the preWWII idea of fascism).
Saying a junior Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp is about high minded ideals and group bonding is silly. Why? Have you ever heard about teamwork? Is it wrong to have morales and values? The truth is, it isnt even about getting kids trained to be "Reserve Officers" and is more about getting them trained to be grunts (in the Reserve perhaps nut not officers). What? I've taught for three years and only had one student enlist and he works on computers. By the way, who do you think won WWII? Or shouldn't we have fought that war? It also plays into a fairly fascist view of bringing the poor and youth up by their bootsraps through pagentry and military discipline. Cultures heading in authoritarian directions love to train youth in "leadership" (meaning following orders and getting others to follow those same orders) and military pagentry (whose worship of which could almost directly describe the preWWII idea of fascism). What? We teach critical thinking and leadership. What are you afraid of? Unfortunately, there are those in this country who need a strong male role model. I've seen the effect first hand. Please don't deny students the opportunity to make it! JROTC is a wonderful program. Please be openminded about it.
Ms. Chen,
You sound like an amazing young women. I hope you are considering politics in your future. Like you, I believe strongly in the JROTC program. As an instructor, I have seen the benefits of this program first hand. I am deeply saddened that San Francisco would deny its students the opportunity to participate. Keep up the good fight!
You sound like an amazing young women. I hope you are considering politics in your future. Like you, I believe strongly in the JROTC program. As an instructor, I have seen the benefits of this program first hand. I am deeply saddened that San Francisco would deny its students the opportunity to participate. Keep up the good fight!
In my 3 years as a JROTC Cadet I can tell you it is an amazing Organization. It not only helped me become a better person, it also helped developed valuable life lessons! Im tired of both sides not thinking of the people who really matter , Us. Im glad the San Fransico Bill was overturned and i hope to see Jrotc spread.
-Travis -Future CIA Member
-Travis -Future CIA Member
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