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May 5, 2009
Don't let the Pentagon determine education policy for California!
Dear FCL Supporter,
Assembly Bill 351, by Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista) and Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco), authorizes local school districts to exempt students who participate in JROTC (and other school-sponsored activities) from taking physical education classes. The exemption is an incentive offered to high school students to entice them to sign up for JROTC.
The impetus behind AB 351 is the Pentagon's desire to preserve JROTC in local high schools. If passed, AB 351 would undermine bipartisan efforts to reduce obesity among young people. Physical activity is not the same as physical education!
While Members of the Religious Society of Friends have a unique perspective on militarizing public schools, whether one shares this view or not, there is broad agreement that we should not allow the Pentagon to drive our state's education policies.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Unfortunately, AB 351 enjoys bipartisan support. Because the bill would take effect immediately, it requires approval by a two-thirds vote of the Legislature. This gives us an opportunity to lobby progressive Members of the Legislature and urge them to vote NO on AB 351.
Time is of the essence! A floor vote could occur any day now, and FCL is aggressively lobbying against the bill.
Please call and fax letters to your state Assembly Member and urge him or her to vote NO on AB 351.
Click here to find your state Assembly Member.
Sincerely,
JIM LINDBURG
Legislative Director
Friends Committee on Legislation of California
1225 8th St., Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95814
Ph: (916) 443-3734
Fax: (916) 448-6109
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