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First reading on JROTC draws hundreds and sharply divided public comment
Summary
The board held a first reading on restoring access to JROTC; Assemblymember Fiona Ma and many students and veterans spoke in favor, while anti-war and student-advocacy groups opposed the program’s military ties and costs during budget cuts.
The board formally introduced a first-reading item on restoring or supporting access to Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) programs and referred the matter to committee for additional review.
Assemblymember Fiona Ma urged the board to support the program, saying it provides leadership opportunities and is not a recruitment tool: "Please be clear that I have always opposed the war in Iraq. JROTC is not about the war," she told the board. Supporters — including many students, alumni and civil-rights leaders — said the program has produced leaders, supported higher-education enrollment for participants and offers structure and pathways for young people.
Opponents, including community organizations, youth groups and some parents, argued the program has military sponsorship, tends to be concentrated in communities of color and diverts resources at a time of staff layoffs and program cuts. Opponents also raised concerns about perceived targeting of low-income students and the historical role of recruiting in some settings.
Because this was a first reading, the board did not vote to adopt or terminate JROTC programs; instead the board referred the item to multiple committees (curriculum and program, budget and business services, personnel and labor) for further review and invited additional public comment in committee sessions and future hearings.
