Scholarship possibilities may be threatened by a new policy linking the release of personal information for college funding to military recruiting.

Students who opt out of being contacted by the military on their registration form at the beginning of the year may also be ineligible to have their information released for some scholarship possibilities or for the school newspaper or yearbook, according to school officials.

Previously, a policy within the school directory of information allowed students to opt out of the portion that dealt with military recruitment. As of the 2005-2006 school year, the policy changed, giving the military equal rights to discuss career plans with students as any other organization or employer.

Some parents feel that this is being too intrusive. On Aug. 8, a parent approached registrar Karen Sartin and requested that his/her child’s information be withdrawn from the directory of information for this reason. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act restricts Sartin from releasing the name of the parent or student.

“I think that it is unfair for the military to have that much power over a minor,” said Trevor Olofson, senior.

However, there are those that feel the military should have the same information as other organizations. Choosing to restrict information would forfeit one’s right to be on any school lists.

“If you do not want your information given to the military, you are only hurting yourself,” said Chad Duncan, senior. “What’s more, you should not be allowed to get any scholarships.”

The military standpoint on the issue states that they are more than willing to allow students and parents to have their names removed from the contact list.

“There is nothing worse than having parents bash you on the phone,” said a military recruiter who requested that his name be withheld.

Associate Super-intendent Quinn Kellis said that there is a possibility of students being allowed to opt out of giving their information to the military next year and still be allowed to remain on school lists.