As students arrived to Chelsea High School on August 31, they were greeted by members of Chelsea Uniting Against the War (CUAW) with fliers about their right to opt out and deny their contact information to military recruiters.
In 2003 Chelsea parents and residents began leafletting at the start of the school year in response to No Child Left Behind, an act signed by President Bush, which states that public school administrators must send high school students’ name, address and phone number upon request to military recruiters. Students have the right to not have this personal information released to all branches of the armed forces by signing the opt-out form on their school issued computer.
The flier written in English and Spanish challenges that serving in the military is viewed as a patriotic Duty, in that, a soldier may be expected to kill civilians, destroy homes and food supplies. Veterans may return home physically disabled and with serious mental or health issues. In addition, veterans benefits such as healthcare, housing and disability benefits continue to be slashed.
Joe Kavartas, a member of Chelsea Uniting Against the War and Veterans for Peace, while leafletting stated ”I served in Vietnam from 1971 – 1972. It’s a tragedy that guys from Chelsea at 18 and 19 years old were killed in that war. At 77, I lived a full life and I encourage students not to follow the same path (into the military).”
Chelsea Uniting Against the War continues to safeguard students’ rights. For more information or to join this year’s fundraiser – Bowl for Peace on Sun. November 15, at Central Park Lanes, East Boston contact Joel Romero 617-688-1197 or follow us on Facebook Chelsea Uniting Against The War – cuaw.