Connecticut Senate Bill SB00580

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/19
• Refer: 1/25/19

Caption

An Act Prohibiting The Disaggregation Of Student Data By Ethnic Subgroups In The Public School Information System.

Impact

The impact of SB00580 on state laws is notably anchored in the realm of educational policy and data handling. By enforcing restrictions on how ethnic subgroup data is collected and reported, the bill aims to foster a more equitable approach to data management in schools. Advocates argue that such a measure can prevent potential misuse of data that might lead to discrimination or stigmatization of specific groups. Furthermore, compliance with federal requirements remains a focal point, ensuring that state legislation does not run afoul of federal mandates regarding educational data.

Summary

SB00580 is an act introduced to the General Assembly aimed at limiting the disaggregation of student data by ethnic subgroups within Connecticut's public school information system. The primary provision of the bill is that it prohibits the collection of disaggregated data unless such data is mandated by federal regulations or is collected uniformly across all ethnic groups within the entire student population. This bill is significant as it seeks to address issues surrounding the collection and usage of sensitive demographic data in educational settings, emphasizing equity in data representation.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB00580 likely focus on the balance between privacy and the need for disaggregated data to inform education policy effectively. Proponents of the bill argue that preventing disaggregation could enhance privacy and reduce the risks associated with sensitive data being misused or leading to inequitable treatment of students based on their racial or ethnic backgrounds. Conversely, critics may contend that disaggregated data is crucial for identifying and addressing disparities in educational outcomes. This tension highlights the complexity of data collection in educational settings, where the benefits and risks must be carefully weighed.