Members of Chelsea Uniting Against the War spoke with students about their right to OPT-OUT during their lunch periods at Chelsea High School on September 14, 2026. Many students reported that they already signed the Military Release OPT-OUT Form online in the Student Handbook which prevents the Chelsea school district from releasing these student’s names, addresses and phone numbers to armed forces recruiters. One student interrupted his lunch to sign the form on his school issued computer.
When Joel Romero approached a group of male students to share fliers, one student announced that he wanted to join the army. Joel asked him why. The young man said he wanted to shoot. Joel let the group know that he grew up in El Salvador, a war zone. He explained that it’s the worst thing to see dead people all over the place. “Those sights became normal for us.” He continued “During military training you will learn how to shoot and kill.” The reaction of the speaker changed dramatically with this new reality and he said convincingly, “No, I don’t want to go.”
Once again, Joe Kebartas’s experience as a soldier and long-term member of Veteran for Peace was useful. When a student didn’t want to take the flier, Joe shared that he served in the Viet Nam War. “I don’t want you to follow down the same road. The student responded by taking the flier with a willingness to learn more.
If you want to join Chelsea Uniting Against the War’s campaign to educate high school students about their rights to counter military recruitment contact Joel Romero at 617-688-1197 or follow us on Facebook Chelsea Uniting Against the War-cuaw.