Doe v. Knox Cnty Board of Education

Plaintiff: Student Jane Doe

Defendant: Knox County Board of Education

Court: Trial Court

A dispute arose between the student's mother, and defendant Knox County Board of Education. The mother was not satisfied with her daughter's educational plan and requested a due process hearing on the issue. A hearing officer held the hearing on August 18, 19 and 20, 1994. During the hearing, the hearing officer entered a protective order prohibiting the disclosure of the plaintiff's confidential records. The plaintiff alleges that the defendants discussed the plaintiff's educational placement, medical condition and disability with a newspaper reporter.

The main issue is did the school district violate her civil rights, under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The right to academic privacy guaranteed by the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution; and the Kentucky Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. The plaintiff also asserts two tort claims: intentional infliction of emotional distress and invasion of privacy.

The defendants' motion to dismiss is GRANTED with respect to the plaintiff's state tort claims against the Board and the superintendent and Board members in their official capacities and the plaintiff's claim for damages under KFERPA against the Board and the superintendent and Board members in their official capacities. The defendants' motion to dismiss is DENIED on all other grounds and for all other claims.