fingerprinting my kids in school!!

amother

Sun, Nov 02 2014, 1:55 pm

my boys came home today and said that their entire class was fingerprinted. the school wants to know who is touching the smartboards.

is it legal to fingerprint a minor without parental permission?

groisamomma

Sun, Nov 02 2014, 2:21 pm

Depending on whichever state you're in, yes in most states it is legal if it is not used for criminal purposes. For example, a school district fingerprinted the kids so they can get their lunches faster. I know several public schools that do this. Six Flags began doing it this summer for season pass holders. My concerns would be: a) Schools that fingerprint are held to strict confidentiality laws and may not use the fingerprint for anything other than lunch lines (including sharing with law enforcement), so your sons' school is in clear violation of this law, and b) While the schools that fingerprint don't have to ask first, most send home a leaflet explaining the process to the parents and any child whose parents demand it must be exempt from fingerprinting. I would be extremely concerned with the lack of regard for the parents of your sons' school.