LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
ACROSS THE STATES

WEST VIRGINIA

Nicholas sends letter of correction

Nicholas County recently sent a form to a Home School Legal Defense Association member asking for the homeschool instructor's Social Security number and proof that the instructor had four years more formal education than his eldest student.

HSLDA informed Nicholas County Home School Coordinator Hugh Johnson that the state legislature has put a hold on the four-year requirement. Johnson promptly wrote Nicholas County homeschool families, explaining that the four-year requirement is not applicable this year and expressing his hope that the county's mistake did not cause homeschool families any inconvenience.

The Privacy Act of 1974 prohibits any government agency from requesting a Social Security number unless the citizen is told whether the disclosure is mandatory or voluntary. If it is mandatory, the agency must state the statute or other authority that allows them to make it mandatory. Social Security numbers can be abused if they fall into the wrong hands and it is usually wise to disclose this information only when it is clearly required under law.

Following our detailed explanation to Mr. Johnson, we anticipate the Nicholas County Board of Education will also stop requesting Social Security numbers.