Challenging JROTC in the Public Schools
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After Critical Mass Screening: Challenging JROTC in the Public Schools
Where: St Joes (402 South Ave.)
Throughout the Spring and Early summer of 2006, Rochester Against War (RAW) focused much of its organizing work on getting the JROTC (Junior Reserve Office Training Corps) program out of the Rochester City Schools. Members of Rochester Against War argued that the JROTC program is just another means by which the US Military targets poor, inner city youth for service in foreign wars of aggression. While RAW's work to demilitarize schools continues, the Rochester City School board voted to maintain the program. Members of the School board cited the positive testimony of families with children in the program, and focused on the fact that participation in the program in completely voluntary.
Street Level Media, a public access TV project, documented this struggle. The 3 part series includes interviews with antiwar activists, and school board members as well as footage of the board meetings where the debate took place. The edited product also provides an excellent example of how governing structures such as school boards serve to insure business as usual. Portions of the Street Level Media series will be featured in this Fridays "After Mass" Screening Kevin Berends of Street Level media will introduce the film and members of Rochester Against War will speak briefly on the current progress of their organizing and will participate in discussion afterwards.
