Privacy of Student Records

Two laws currently allow military recruiters to receive the names, addresses, and telephone listings of all juniors and seniors in high school. However, districts must provide notice to parents of the types of student information that it releases, explain that parents have the right to request that the information not be disclosed, include information on how to “opt-out” of the release of such information, and any applicable deadlines. The term “opt-out” refers to a parent or student’s ability to request their records and contact information not be disclosed. 

Additionally, the Department of Defense (DOD) has created a massive database for recruiting and other “routine” purposes. The Pentagon has been building this database of information on more than 25 million children over the past three years. The database is updated daily and distributed monthly to the Armed Services for recruitment purposes. Parents and students can also “opt-out” of being included in this database but the information is not deleted, rather it is moved to a “suppression file,” where the Pentagon will retain, but not release, the information.

National PTA seeks to increase awareness and community sensitivity about the collection and dissemination of information regarding students and believes that such records should respect the rights to privacy and be relevant to a child's education.

National PTA will continue to support legislation and policies that would change current law by providing for an "opt in" policy where interested students and families can instead choose to request contact from military recruiters. Parents and students deserve to know who has their information, and parents should be involved in the important decision to enlist in military service. 

More information on these military recruitment in schools and the DOD database, including details on how to “opt-out”, sample letters, and additional resources is available (see Resources on this page).