DA SAYS KEEP SCHOOL EXPULSION RECORDS PRIVATE

ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) - The district attorney has denied a parent's request to
examine Ashland High School records of students expelled over drugs and
weapons, even if the names are blacked out.

District Attorney Mark Huddleston said his examination of federal and state
law made it clear to him the records should remain private.

The petitioner, Paul Copeland of Ashland, said he wanted to see the records
so he could judge whether the school district is handling expulsions fairly
since it enacted a zero-tolerance policy on drugs.

The policy, implemented last year, requires expulsion of students found
with drugs in their possession on school property.

The school district refused to give Copeland the records - even with the
names and identifying characteristics of the students blacked out - citing
federal privacy statutes. Copeland appealed to the district attorney,
citing state public records law.

Copeland said he was deeply disappointed with the district attorney's
opinion, but has not decided whether to pursue the case further.

"The public has a right to know about these cases. Some involved violence
in the schools and expulsions for weapons," Copeland said. "I also have a
concern that when punishment is dispensed in secret there's a potential for
abuse."

Copeland's attorney, David Fine, said Huddleston ignored case law in his
denial of the appeal. He said other state high courts have ruled
differently on similar matters.

Schools Superintendent John Daggett said the Oregon School Board
Association was very concerned about the case

"I'm pleased that children and families have had their right to privacy
upheld," he said.