Heather King
New Member
- Jurisdiction
- Minnesota
My son was interrogated for 1 ½ hours over an incident that happened off school grounds. They coerced him and his friends into admitting they drank alcohol, so they would not have a permanent suspension from their school sports. During the discussion at the school, the Principal and Athletic Director both told my son that it was a 'safe area' and nothing that he said would be repeated outside of the room. Additionally, I had a follow-up discussion the next day, and both Admin individuals restated that point .. it was confidential and the info would not be shared with others. The next day, my son's hockey coach, also a teacher at the high school, questioned my son based on points stated during his interrogation. Thus, it was obvious that private points discussed during my son's interrogation were shared with others.
At this point, I have engaged the school superintendent and he has interviewed the admin involved. The superintendent has confirmed that there is a breach of confidentiality and wants to interview my son (meeting scheduled next week). I want to know what our rights are in MN – specifically the breach of confidentiality (FERPA) and coercing these kids into false statements so that they would not be banned from school sports.
I am beyond frustrated with the situation and how it was handled. The Admin were using these kids to install fear and make a statement to the rest of the kids in school. Now.. it is my turn to make the statement that these types of actions will not be accepted in an educational setting.
At this point, I have engaged the school superintendent and he has interviewed the admin involved. The superintendent has confirmed that there is a breach of confidentiality and wants to interview my son (meeting scheduled next week). I want to know what our rights are in MN – specifically the breach of confidentiality (FERPA) and coercing these kids into false statements so that they would not be banned from school sports.
I am beyond frustrated with the situation and how it was handled. The Admin were using these kids to install fear and make a statement to the rest of the kids in school. Now.. it is my turn to make the statement that these types of actions will not be accepted in an educational setting.