From Draft NOtices, October—December 2011
— David Morales
In February of 2009, Mission Bay High School students, parents, teachers, and community members waited anxiously and well into a Tuesday night for the decision by the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Board to finally restrict the JROTC program. It did so by passing a policy banning JROTC rifle ranges and marksmanship training in the district.
Before that night, students had proven that JROTC programs across the district were leading students to falsely believe that the program would grant them credit that could be counted toward college acceptance. In addition, it was documented that students were sometimes being placed into JROTC without their or their parents’ consent, violating California Education Code section 51750. These complaints were addressed without school board action in 2008 when the superintendent issued a directive banning both practices.
The Education Not Arms Coalition (ENAC), a group consisting of students, teachers and several community organizations, made these victories possible. It’s an achievement that is significant for taking place in one of the country’s most militarized cities. Since the restrictions were approved, they appear to be having a direct impact on at least one school, Mission Bay High, where JROTC is entering its fifth year with shrinking enrollment numbers.
However, students, parents, and other activists fear that the restrictions won in late 2008 may be violated by those who are desperate to increase JROTC enrollment. Department of Defense guidelines state that when enrollment in a JROTC unit drops below a specified minimum during its second year (third if it’s a new unit), it must be placed on probation. If under-enrollment continues the next year, the unit is required to be disestablished at the end of the school year.