University's privacy policy doesn't pertain to all

It was recently disclosed that University of Iowa officials have been sharing personal information about behavior and academic performance with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office when students apply for weapon permits. One news story indicated this policy also applies to University of Iowa staff members. This practice has been in place, unknown to the public, for 22 years.

I find it ironic that the same university always cites impenetrable privacy policies when athletes, coaching staff, faculty members, administrative staff, fundraising personnel, etc. run afoul of the law. We've seen a long cover-up list of rape, sexual harassment, pedophilia, theft, embezzlement, alcoholism, drug abuse, etc. These exposed incidents may be merely the tip of the iceberg.

Even parents who are footing the outrageous bills for student education can't see their child's grades unless the student consents in writing. The university claims privacy is paramount. However, if the same student applies for a weapons permit, the university shares his/her grades with the sheriff's office and implies issuance should be denied if scholastic scores have dropped.

Obviously, privacy concerns can be overridden when they conflict with the university's liberal agenda.

Dean Varner

Cedar Rapids