July 26, 2000



Ms. Judy Johnson, Director
Office of Student Conduct
530 Leavey Center
Georgetown University
Washington, DC 20057

Dear Ms. Johnson:

The parents of David Shick recently contacted our organization. They expressed concern because it is apparent to them that your office will not be disclosing the results of the disciplinary actions taken against the other Georgetown University students involved in the incident that led to the tragic death of their son on campus back in February.

They believe, and we strongly agree, that in order to prevent future tragedies students must know that engaging in such reckless, dangerous behavior won't be tolerated. If these students were disciplined, other students need to see that example. If they weren't, parents and others may well want to see policies changed.

An article published in the Monday, July 24, 2000 edition of the Washington Post indicates that you are citing "federal laws on student privacy" to withhold this information. We don't believe this interpretation holds up, especially given the regulations published on July 6th by the U.S. Dept. of Education that specifically permit the release of these records in certain cases.

The regulations implement a 1998 amendment to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This amendment and the regulations permit institutions of higher education to release the final results, which includes the name of the accused, of disciplinary actions against students found to have violated school rules in connection with a crime of violence. Additionally, there has never been a restriction on releasing the records or results with all personally identifiable information stripped out. Schools like the University of California at Davis routinely do so in fact.

We hope that in light of these provisions and the seriousness of this case you will reconsider your decision. To assist you in this important decision making process I have included a copy of the regulations published in the July 6th edition of the Federal Register. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to call on me at (865) 693-4316. Thank you.

Sincerely,

S. Daniel Carter