ACLU files suit to allow counter-recruiting

NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. — The ACLU is suing a North Carolina school system it says has denied access to a pacifist who wants to talk to students about alternatives to the military.

The Winston-Salem Journal reported that Sally Ferrell represents North Carolina Peace Action and says Wilkes County Schools haven’t allowed her to present her message, even though military recruiters get time with students.

Ferrell wants to recruit for such groups as AmeriCorps while also presenting information that might convince students not to choose the military.

School attorney Fred Johnson says the policy provides equal access for presentations to students. Wilkes County Schools Superintendent Stephen Laws says the school’s policy doesn’t allow a recruiter to criticize other groups.

Laws and Johnson say the school system will defend its policy.