Thread: Some schools still require student Social Security number

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Some schools still require student Social Security number

By DIANE D'AMICO Education Writer, (609) 272-7241
(Published: September 5, 2006)
Five years ago, the state Department of Education passed regulations clarifying that schools cannot ask for Social Security numbers as a condition of enrollment.

But a survey released last week by the New Jersey American Civil Liberties Union found that almost 25 percent of districts contacted were still requiring the number as part of their student registration pro-cess.

The ACLU and immigration activists are concerned that schools may use the Social Security number as a way to keep children of illegal immigrants out of school. A 1982 U.S. Supreme Court decision ruled that all immigrant children are entitled to attend public school.

State and local education officials said some districts may just be slow to break old habits and that there may still be some confusion about what is required and what is just requested for some programs. But they also admit some overzealous school personnel could be using the issue as a way to enforce their own personal immigration opinions.

We were shocked by the number, said Annu Mangat, director of communications for the NJACLU. We are asking the state Department of Education to do a bit more to assure that schools and parents know their rights.

The ACLU survey is similar to one done by The Press of Atlantic City in August 2004. At that time, half of the 42 districts contacted in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and southern Ocean counties said they did require the Social Security number. The state immediately sent a memo to all districts reminding them of the regulations, which were updated again in December 2004.

The Social Security number is explicitly prohibited as a condition of enrollment, state Department of Education spokesman Richard Vespucci said. œIf there are specific complaints, we will pursue them.

The ACLU contacted 224 school districts in 16 counties over a nine month period, including more than 20 in Cumberland and Atlantic counties. Twelve districts contacted in Atlantic County were all in compliance, although the ACLU has since noted that the Galloway Community Charter School still has the Social Security number listed as required on its Web site.

Charter School Director Deborah Nataloni said they know it is not required, and she will have the Web site amended.

We know it's illegal to ask for it, she said. We only take it if parents provide it,

She agreed there is still some confusion. She said some state student transfer cards she has still include a spot for the Social Security number next to the birth date, and people might assume from that that it is required. The newer 2006-07 transfer card as it is shown on the state Department of Education Web site does not include the number.

The ACLU cited 57 districts as requiring the Social Security number. Of those, 36 agreed to amend their forms and inform staff, and 13 denied requiring it.

One of the 13 was rural Hopewell Township in Cumberland County. Superintendent Terry Van Zoeren said he sent the ACLU a copy of their student registration form showing it does not include the Social Security number.

We want to be inclusive, he said. Our mission is to educate children.

Mangat confirmed they received the form. She said the person who originally contacted the district was told that the Social Security number was probably required and had added that students should be citizens as far as they were concerned.

Van Zoeren said without knowing with whom the ACLU spoke, he can't really respond to the statement.

It is an embarrassment, he said. I don't know who they may have talked to, but it clearly wasn't the person who handles registration. I wish they had notified us immediately.

Daniel Santo Pietro, director of the Hispanic Directors Association of New Jersey, said they are very frustrated that the problem has continued for so long. He said he knows some immigration activists oppose allowing children of illegal immigrants in school, but the way to deal with that is not by breaking the law themselves.

We fear there is still an intimidation factor in this, he said. The districts will say if someone doesn't have a number, they don't have to give it, but if they give the impression they want it, some parents just stay away.

To e-mail Diane D'Amico at The Press:

DDamico@pressofac.com

Daniel Santo Pietro, director of the Hispanic Directors Association of New Jersey, said they are very frustrated that the problem has continued for so long. He said he knows some immigration activists oppose allowing children of illegal immigrants in school, but the way to deal with that is not by breaking the law themselves.

He's frustrated the problem has continued for so long? You're preeching to the wrong choir buddy!