Louisiana House Bill HCR130

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/14/13
• Refer: 5/15/13

Caption

Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to discontinue the practice of sharing student data with private companies and the federal government

Impact

If enacted, HCR130 could lead to significant changes in how student information is collected, stored, and shared by educational institutions in Louisiana. It directly challenges existing practices that have been accepted under the belief that they would enhance educational insights while inadvertently risking confidentiality. The resolution cites tensions between the need for data in educational planning and the imperative to protect student information from misuse, encouraging a shift in policy towards greater privacy measures.

Summary

HCR130 is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education of Louisiana to cease sharing student data with private companies and federal agencies. The bill was introduced in response to public concerns regarding the invasiveness of personal data collection and the potential risks associated with the security of such information. With the increasing reliance on data platforms like inBloom, which had agreements to house educational data, the resolution aims to reassess these partnerships and prioritize the protection of student privacy.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR130 is largely positive among privacy advocates and parents who are concerned about the implications of sharing sensitive student data. Proponents argue that protecting student privacy is paramount, especially with data breaches and misuse becoming increasingly common. Conversely, there may be apprehensions from educational bodies and technology partners about the implications for data management and educational guidance that rely on collected data, indicating a divide in opinion on the future of educational data practices.

Contention

Critics of data sharing highlight several risks, including violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), lack of oversight on data usage, and potential harm from data breaches. Detractors worry that HCR130, while focusing on privacy, may inadvertently hinder educational improvements that rely on data analytics. This highlights a fundamental clash between advancing educational technology and safeguarding individual rights—a topic that will likely continue to be hotly debated in legislative discussions.