The Law,the Counselor,and Student Records

The counselor's legal responsibilities in the release of information about students involve matters of parental rights to information; possible defamation, libel, and slander; and privileged communication. The counselor, however, has little to fear from legal actions, provided that he performs in a professional and ethical manner and follows certain basic principles. When in doubt, he should feel free to consult with the judge in the case, and even at times with the attorneys involved. Relevant statutes and judicial rulings are cited to illustrate these various points.