I was unaware until today that the access of military recruiters to students' addresses and phone numbers is legally protected. No Child Left Behind, which was passed by Congress in 2001, requires schools to turn over students' home phone numbers and addresses unless parents opt out. Otherwise, the school loses federal funds. Parents can "opt out" their children only by signing and sending in a form. The parents, in other words, have to take pro-active action to keep their children's names off the list. Many parents nation wide feel they were not adequately informed of this option.

I'm sure that parents are more aware of this provision than I am, since I have no children attending school. But I'm curious as to how well known it really is. I would be interested in hearing parents' comments on this. I think it's outrageous.

(Ed. note:  A generic student opt-out form is available here.)

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