Protesters gathered outside the Madison school board meeting Monday night over US Army advertising in schools.
The Army paid more than seventeen thousand dollars in ad dollars for signs asking “Are You Army Strong?” on scoreboards at high school stadiums and gyms. A recruiting phone number is also listed. The Madison school district does place limits on direct military recruiting in high schools.
Students are divided on whether the ads are appropriate. One student at the meeting said he certainly old enough to make his own choices and didn't feel pressured or manipulated by the ads.
A group opposed to military recruiting in schools asked the school board to take down the billboards. One parent questioned how the board could trade ad dollars for a young people's lives.
The school board has been selling advertising as part of a new program to raise additional revenue for programs and services.
Some parents even suggested they'd rather see their taxes go up to pay for the programs rather than accept military advertising.
Board member Carol Carstensen said they'd love to raise taxes but they can't.
Other paying advertisers include banks, restaurants and a music store.
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