| From the HSLDA E-lert Service: |
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| Date: From: Subject: | 8/3/2006 1:28:32 PM Home School Legal Defense Association South Dakota--Fight for Privacy Continues |
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====================================================================== From the HSLDA E-lert Service... ====================================================================== August 3, 2006 South Dakota--Fight for Privacy Continues Dear HSLDA members and friends: On July 21, 2006, Rapid City's Home School Secretary sent homeschool families a troubling letter that was at odds with the landmark privacy policy HSLDA, local homeschool families and the school board hammered out in 2004. The letter urged families to return two forms "as soon as possible"-- a "Homeschool Temporary Waiver of Confidentiality" form and an "Alternative School Program Partial Waiver of Confidentiality" form. The only explanation the letter provided as to why families were suddenly being urged to sign these forms was that it was "very important." Home School Legal Defense Association Staff Attorney Scott Woodruff called the Home School Secretary. He asked if families' privacy would be jeopardized if they simply ignored the forms. She could not provide an answer. The privacy policy adopted in June of 2004 says that a specified official may "provide a form to a family...asking them if they wish to receive registration information" from the local school. The policy also clearly states that families are free to ignore the form. Paragraph VI says, "If the family does not complete the form ... there shall be no waiver and the information shall not be released." This policy requires that families' privacy be protected even if they choose to ignore the "partial waiver" form. While Rapid City's privacy policy allows families to temporarily waive confidentiality if they want to, it only applies in very narrow circumstances--if there is an "emergency" or if specified officials are not available. The "temporary waiver" form included in the July letter would be suitable for use in one of these rare instances. There is no justification, however, for mailing these out blanket-style to all families and asking them for signatures. HSLDA will take steps to make sure that the administration understands that families' privacy must be protected even if they disregard the "partial waiver" form, and will strongly discourage them from sending "temporary waiver" forms out blanket-style again. With the help of vigilant homeschool families, we will defend the important privacy protections we won in 2004. Sincerely, Scott Woodruff HSLDA Staff Attorney ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -> How many news articles did you read this morning over your oatmeal? We live in a world where concise information presented at the right time can make a big difference in the outcome of important legislative efforts. Yet it's tough to keep up with all the issues that affect you. HSLDA does this for you in the areas that affect your homeschool. 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