The National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth (NNOMY)

9/06/2024 /Copilot & NNOMY - Many schools across the United States are involved in data collection for military recruitment purposes. For example, over 13,000 schools encourage students to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, with results sent directly to military personnel¹. This data helps identify potential recruits.

Additionally, some state education leaders are proposing data-sharing agreements with the Department of Defense to include enlistment and service data in state-specific longitudinal data systems². This means that more schools could potentially be involved in data collection for military recruitment.

If you’re concerned about this practice, there are resources and organizations, like the National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth (NNOMY), that provide information and support for counter-recruitment efforts³.

What do the data-sharing agreements stipulate between the DOD and school districts?

Data-sharing agreements between the Department of Defense (DoD) and school districts typically outline the terms under which student information is shared for military recruitment purposes. These agreements often include:

1. Types of Data Collected: Information such as student names, contact details, academic performance, and ASVAB test results.

2. Purpose of Data Use: The data is used to identify and contact potential recruits.

3. Data Security and Privacy: Measures to ensure that student data is securely stored and only accessible to authorized personnel.

4. Parental Consent: Policies regarding parental notification and consent, which can vary by state and district.

5. Duration of Data Retention: How long the data will be retained by the DoD and the conditions under which it will be deleted.

These agreements can raise concerns about student privacy and the potential for undue influence on young people.

Are there any examples nationally in the United States where Parent groups have challenged the DOD data collection in their children's schools?

Yes, there have been instances where parent groups have challenged the Department of Defense (DoD) data collection in schools. One notable example is the opposition to the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test being administered in schools without parental consent. Some parents and advocacy groups have argued that this practice violates student privacy and have pushed for policies requiring parental consent before students can take the test⁴.

Additionally, there have been efforts by organizations like the National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth (NNOMY) to raise awareness and provide resources for parents to challenge these practices⁵. These groups often advocate for greater transparency and stricter consent requirements to protect student privacy.

See: What We Can Do

Which governmental officials have been promoting legislation for DOD data-collection in the nation's schools?

Several governmental officials have been involved in promoting legislation and policies that facilitate data collection for military recruitment in schools. These efforts are often part of broader initiatives to enhance national security and support the Department of Defense’s (DoD) recruitment strategies.

1. David Spirk: As the DoD’s Chief Data Officer, Spirk has been a key advocate for the DoD’s data strategy, which includes data collection efforts to support military recruitment⁶.

2. State Education Leaders: In some states, education leaders have proposed data-sharing agreements with the DoD to include enlistment and service data in state-specific longitudinal data systems⁷. These proposals are often supported by state legislators who see value in aligning educational outcomes with national defense needs.

3. Congressional Support: Various members of Congress have supported legislation that facilitates data sharing between schools and the DoD. This includes provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that mandate or encourage such practices.

These efforts are part of a broader strategy to integrate data collection into the DoD’s operations, ensuring that the military can effectively identify and recruit potential candidates from a young age.


Who are authorized to have access to this student data?


Access to student data collected for military recruitment purposes is typically restricted to specific authorized personnel. These can include:

1. Military Recruiters: They use the data to identify and contact potential recruits.

2. Department of Defense (DoD) Officials: Certain DoD personnel involved in recruitment and data analysis may have access.

3. School Administrators: Principals, counselors, and other school officials who facilitate the data collection process.

4. State Education Departments: In cases where data-sharing agreements exist, state education officials may have access to the data for integration into state-specific longitudinal data systems.

These access controls are intended to ensure that the data is used appropriately and securely. However, concerns about privacy and data security remain, especially regarding how long the data is retained and who else might gain access.

Have any parent or teacher groups addressed this data collection specifically or organized to resist the process of data collection?

Yes, several parent and teacher groups have actively addressed and organized against the data collection practices for military recruitment in schools. Here are a few examples:

National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth (NNOMY): This organization provides resources and support for parents and educators who oppose military recruitment in schools. They have been instrumental in raising awareness and organizing resistance against data collection practices⁸.

Coalition for Alternatives to Militarism in Our Schools (CAMS): Based in Los Angeles, CAMS had worked to limit military recruitment in schools and had advocated for policies that protect student privacy. They have organized campaigns to inform parents and students about their rights regarding data collection⁹.

Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs): In various districts, PTAs have taken up the issue of student data privacy and have pushed for stricter consent requirements before any data is shared with military recruiters. These efforts often involve lobbying school boards and state legislators to enact protective measures¹⁰.

These groups have been successful in some areas, leading to policies that require parental consent before student data can be shared with military recruiters.

Who should concerned parents contact if they have concerns about the collection of student data?

Parents can take several steps if they have concerns about the collection of student data:

1. School Administration: Start by contacting the principal or school district’s data privacy officer. They can provide information on data collection practices and policies.

2. School Board: Attend school board meetings and voice your concerns. School boards often have the authority to review and change data-sharing agreements.

3. Parent-Teacher Association (PTA): Engage with the PTA to raise awareness and gather support from other parents.

4. Legal Counsel: If necessary, seek advice from a lawyer specializing in education or privacy law to understand your rights and potential actions.

Here are some resources and steps for concerned parents to address the collection of student data for military recruitment:

1. National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth (NNOMY): They offer a wealth of information and support for parents and educators. Their website includes guides on how to opt-out of military recruitment and protect student privacy.

2. Coalition for Alternatives to Militarism in Our Schools (CAMS): In the early 2000's, CAMS provided resources and organized campaigns to limit military recruitment in schools. / Archive

3. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): The ACLU has resources on student privacy rights and can provide legal support if needed.

4. Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs): Local PTAs can be a powerful platform to raise awareness and gather support from other parents.

Steps to Take

1. Contact School Administration: Reach out to the principal or the school district’s data privacy officer to inquire about data collection practices and express your concerns.

2. Attend School Board Meetings: Voice your concerns at school board meetings. School boards often have the authority to review and change data-sharing agreements.

3. Engage with the PTA: Work with your local PTA to raise awareness and advocate for policies that protect student privacy.

4. Seek Legal Counsel: If necessary, consult a lawyer specializing in education or privacy law to understand your rights and potential actions.

Additional Actions

1. Opt-Out Forms: Ensure you and other parents are aware of opt-out forms that can prevent schools from sharing student information with military recruiters.
https://nnomy.org/OptOut

2. Awareness Campaigns: Organize or participate in awareness campaigns to inform other parents and students about their rights and the implications of data collection.
https://nnomy.org/en/content_page/item/502-forced-military-testing-in-americas-schools.html

Sources:

1. Alex Skopic, "Military Recruiters Have No Place in Our Schools," Current Affairs, June 27, 2022, https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/2022/06/military-recruiters-should-have-no-place-in-our-schools
2. Jim Cowen, "One Way to Ease the Military Recruiting Crisis: Send DoD Data to Nation’s High Schools," Defense Opinion, December 17, 2023, https://defenseopinion.com/one-way-to-ease-the-military-recruiting-crisis-send-dod-data-to-nations-high-schools/491/
3. NNOMY ORG, "MILITARIZING AMERICAN SCHOOLS: Post Pandemic 2023," National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth (NNOMY), May 20, 2023, https://nnomy.org/en/resources/downloads/pamphlets-reports/general-counter-recruitment-information/school-based-cr/701-militarizing-american-schools-post-pandemic-2023.html
4. C. Todd Lopez, "Learning Continues for DOD School System Students Despite COVID-19 Restrictions," U.S. Department of Defense, April 28, 2020, https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2166511/learning-continues-for-dod-school-system-students-despite-covid-19-restrictions/
5. David Gonzalez, "Data is Essential for Supporting Military-Connected Students and their Families," DQC, November 11, 2022, https://dataqualitycampaign.org/data-supporting-military-connected-students-and-families/ 
6. David Vergun, "Official Explains DOD Data Strategy," U.S. DepartmentofDefense, March 3, 2021, https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2523066/official-explains-dod-data-strategy/source/official-explains-dod-data-strategy/
7. Department of Defense, "Executive Summary: DoD Data Strategy," Department of Defense, September 30, 2020, https://media.defense.gov/2020/Oct/08/2002514180/-1/-1/0/DOD-DATA-STRATEGY.PDF
8. Kara Arundel, "Why student data remains at risk — and what educators are doing to protect it," K-12 Dive, December 14, 2021, https://www.k12dive.com/news/why-student-data-remains-at-risk-and-what-educators-are-doing-to-protect-it/611462/
9. Kara Arundel, "Why student data remains at risk — and what educators are doing to protect it," K-12 Dive, December 14, 2021, https://www.k12dive.com/news/why-student-data-remains-at-risk-and-what-educators-are-doing-to-protect-it/611462/
10. Kara Arundel, "Why student data remains at risk — and what educators are doing to protect it," K-12 Dive, December 14, 2021, https://www.k12dive.com/news/why-student-data-remains-at-risk-and-what-educators-are-doing-to-protect-it/611462/