Parents Voice Concerns Amid Court Order Mandating Release Of Student Information To Nonprofit Group
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO (CBSLA.com) — Many parents may not be aware that soon some of their children's private data will be released to a nonprofit as a result of a court order.
"It bothers me that the information about my kids is going to be out there for anyone and everyone," said Carin Martin, a parent.
Her concern about her San Juan Capistrano third-grader's information could soon spread to millions of moms and dads statewide as a deadline to opt out gets closer.
Elizabeth Ramirez hadn't heard about the federal court decision mandating the release of confidential data to the nonprofit special-needs group in Northern California.
"I see it as them putting our family in danger releasing all of that information and having a deadline that we need to send a letter to the court saying we don't want them to do this, I don't think every parent knows about this," she said.
The release of documents and data dating back to 2008 applies to all California public school students and includes their names, addresses and Social Security numbers.
The sensitive information that will be handed over also pertains to assessment results and discipline records.
Many parents are in disbelief and fear that their children could fall victim to hackers and identity theft.
"I don't trust that. I worked for a large, wireless communications company and we had breaches all the time," said Martin. "So, if we had the money to have security and IT and all the functions to hold onto data and we couldn't protect it, there is no way a small nonprofit's gonna protect that data."
The state Department of Education fought the release of the student information but had no luck. However, the judge has said the private data cannot be shared with the general public.
Despite this, parents are concerned.
Click here for a link to the site that allows parents to opt out of releasing their child's personal information. The form must be mailed by April 1.
