State legislators want to protect the privacy of South Dakota students. Senate Bill 63 limits information schools are allowed to collect on students, and what information they’re allowed to share with other entities. It requests security measures be taken to protect students’ identifiable information. It also prohibits elementary and secondary schools from surveying students about personal or family matters such as religion and gun ownership. But Senator Jim Bradford is concerned the legislation will inhibit schools from receiving certain federal assistance.
“For when I was on the school board the schools in my district have many federal programs that they have to have the children’s name, and also where the family works. My point is don’t disallow any of those things that are valued in our district that are impacted by federal implications,” Bradford says.
Senator Larry Lucas offered an amendment to allow schools to use student and family data necessary for any federal funds or grants, but the amendment failed. Senator Corey Brown’s amendment to disclose data for Title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act was approved. Senate Bill 63 passed unopposed as amended.