Schooled in debate

Last Thursday, the Indiana Daily Student reported that local anti-war groups held a June 12 panel at the Monroe County Library addressing the fact that the Monroe County Community School Corporation has refused to allow pacifist speakers to address their high school students regarding the negative effects of war. If military recruiters are given access to students, these groups ask, "why shouldn't we?"\nGiven, anti-war groups don't have the same right to access to public schools as a government agency such as the military, but is it not the responsibility of an academic institution to encourage debate and present its students with multiple perspectives?\nWe at the IDS believe that allowing pacifists/conscientious objectors to address high school students in Monroe County would provide an educational opportunity and it would be informative for many students considering a career in the military. Military recruiters present young adults with the benefits of a career in the military without addressing the negative aspects that this could entail. For example, recruiters often emphasize the opportunities for "job training," "a free college education" and "travel around the world" while neglecting to mention that individuals will have to make considerable sacrifices in their personal lives. Giving students access to this information does not make the school inherently "anti-military;" many people choose a career in the military despite their knowledge of the risks and difficulties involved. For example, the Los Angeles Times reported May 21 that "Reenlistments this year are running 20 percent above the Army's goal, despite the long overseas deployments." Allowing students to hear from groups that oppose military service will merely allow them to make a more informed decision regarding whether to enlist or not.\nFurthermore, why not take advantage of Bloomington's rich cultural and academic resources to engage students in an important debate that is already playing out in American society in general? How hard would it be to bring together pro- and anti-war speakers to address students? To make these speakers open to questioning? To incorporate this issue into larger curricular requirements regarding government, social studies, international relations, geography, etc.? Allowing such activities would not give way to indoctrination from one side or another. Instead, it would help lay the foundations of critical thinking among Bloomington's students. By employing a relevant social issue, the schools could help students develop tools that will prove valuable throughout their lives -- and prepare them to take an active part in our democratic society.\nIn short, if the overriding purpose of education is to prepare students for their future, why not employ our local resources to do so? When a student asks whether something they are required to learn is relevant or not wouldn't it be nice to reply with an unqualified "yes"?