CULVER CITY : High School ROTC Program OKd Over Parents’ Protests

Despite protests by dozens of parents, the Culver City school board this week approved a naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps class that is to start in September at Culver City High School.

Board members voted 3-2 Tuesday in favor of a curriculum that would include maritime geography, navigation, drilling and physical fitness training.

A handful of the 40 parents who attended the meeting supported the board’s decision, but the vast majority criticized the Junior ROTC program, saying it would do little to develop students’ creative thinking. Instead of instituting Junior ROTC, they argued, the district should reinstate music classes and other programs that have been cut in recent years because of budget constraints.

“I am dismayed and enormously terrified that 14-year-old children will be exposed to . . . the military,” said Mary Falvey. “I hope we’re teaching our children to be thinkers, not only to follow directions.”

Such concern turned to anger when the school board cut off public discussion after only 20 minutes, a decision that provoked hissing from the crowd.

School board members who support Junior ROTC said the program would provide career opportunities for students while boosting confidence and self-discipline.

Board members pointed out that since the military fully funds the first two years of the program and partially funds it thereafter, Junior ROTC comes at relatively little cost to the district.