The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) has taken a decision at its annual conference to oppose armed forces recruitment in schools and colleges.

Delegates were told that statistics obtained via a freedom of Information request have shown that visits to schools and colleges are far more common in areas of deprivation than in more affluent areas.

Introducing the motion delegate Linda Richardson said:

"We know that the army is in the middle of a major recruitment crisis. While the army refuses to publish figures on the social background of recruits, it is clear that the majority of recruits come from less affluent backgrounds. Recruitment teams in schools are a huge concern for teachers, parents and pupils. Keep armed forces teams out of our schools and colleges."

After some debate Linda Richardson, summing up her argument concluded by telling delegates:

"Armed Forces Recruitment will continue, in recruitment offices and at careers fairs, but outwith our schools and colleges. We must ban armed forces recruitment in our schools."

The motion was eventually carried by a large majority.

The EIS is a major teaching Union in Scotland. It has over 59,000 members, representing over 80% of teachers working in Nursery, Primary, Secondary and Special Education, right through to Further and Higher Education. It is in fact the oldest teaching union in the world and was founded in 1847.

Their decision is certain to restart the debate in other Celtic countries over the morality of allowing military recruitment in schools. Earlier this year Plaid Cymru voiced concerns about British army recruitment teams targeting schools in disadvantaged areas. (See Celtic News No. 2088 ARMY GETS ITS MARCHING ORDERS FROM WELSH SCHOOLS - February 2007)

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

17/06/07

See also Celtic News:

No. 2081 LEAGUE VINDICATED AS UK ADMITS BREACH OF UN CHILD CONVENTION - Feb 4, 2007 No. 2079 BRITISH ARMY RECRUITMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE (2) - Jan 29, 2007 No. 2078 BRITISH ARMY RECRUITMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE ATTACKED - Jan 29, 2007 No. 1710 BRITAIN'S CHILD SOLDIER POLICY QUESTIONED - Jun 4, 2005

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