San Francisco Unified board approves opt-out for JAMRS to protect student privacy

The San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously Oct. 12 to expand district protections of student personal data by creating a separate opt-out/opt-in form for JAMRS (Joint Advertising Marketing Research Studies), the private database that purchases youth contact information for military recruiting.

Commissioner Sandra Feuer introduced the resolution, noting the board—s prior policies protecting students from involuntary release of personal information to military recruiters and saying the JAMRS database—s growth postdates earlier board policy. Feuer said the district will add a JAMRS-specific form to registration materials, send collected forms to JAMRS headquarters and keep a record in each student—s personnel file. "These opt-out/opt-in forms be visibly available at school sites," Feuer said during the reading of the resolution, which also directs staff to aim for a 100% return rate and provide an annual report to the curriculum and program committee.

Multiple public speakers, including youth and advocacy groups, urged the board to act. Jose Cartagena, an intern with Bay Peace, told the board JAMRS "collects your information from social networking, credit cards, DMV, and etcetera, and sell[s] it to the military for the recruiting process." Sandra Schwartz of the American Friends Service Committee said the measure would protect students from "extremely aggressive military recruiting practices." Student Advisory Council representatives also expressed support.

Board members pressed staff on implementation details, asking whether the JAMRS opt-out would be a separate form and how return rates would be measured. Commissioner Feuer said the JAMRS form will be collected separately and mailed to JAMRS, and Janet Schultz, head of high school operations, is auditing historical return-rate data to ensure accuracy. Staff recommended outreach tools — including a short video seen by SAC — and engagement through Parent Advisory Council and advisory/homeroom lessons to improve participation.

The board recorded seven ayes on roll call and passed the resolution. The district plans an implementation period over the coming months to collect forms at high schools; staff will report back to the curriculum and program committee on progress.

What—s next: staff said they will finalize the form language, proceed with school-based outreach and supply an annual return-rate report to the board committee.