Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Ohio

The school district disclosed my personal information to a stranger

Question: I was legally adopted 24 years ago. A few months ago, I got a call from my adoptive mother and she told me that my blood relative sister had

called trying to find me. I asked my mom how the "sister" got my personal info, and she said that my school district gave her information. She called

/ walked in with only my first name, date of birth and graduation year. The district gave her my parents name, address, and phone number! I am LIVID

that the school disclosed this information to a stranger without my permission. I am not listed in any alumni directory to my knowledge. I live

here in California, but went to school in Ohio. Can I take legal action?

Although nothing serious has happened, I feel that my confidentiality rights have been violated by the school district. I spoke with the School District and they told me that it is NOT policy to disclose student information. For all anyone knows this could

have been some psycho looking for me....Please advise - thanks


Asked on 1/07/00, 3:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Hayes The John Hayes Law Offices

Re: The school district disclosed my personal information to a stranger

You have every right to be mad. The school clearly violated your rights. Additionally, since you were adopted you have every right to have your identity protected as does your birth mother. You can take action against the school district in Ohio. You would have to sue them in a district court since you live in California. As far as damages you and your adopted family have probably gone through a lot emotionally since your biological sister has contacted you and she might not have if the school had not breached confidentiality. Most of the time, in order for an organization to realize what they have done is illegal a judge has to make them pay monetary damages. Either way, the school had a legal obligation to contact you before releasing this information. If you would like additional information about suing the school district and your rights to privacy please feel free to contact my office at 877-546-9918. The call and consultation are free. Even if you decide not to sue the district I would recommend taking some sort of action to protect the privacy of other students. You never know the next person that they give information to may be a psycho who goes out and kills a current or former student. I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

John Hayes, Esq.

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Answered on 1/07/00, 10:37 pm


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