Smart+IDs

=Student "Smart" IDs and Privacy Issues=

What would you think about receiving a student ID that would be enhanced with a chip or chips, or barcodes or QR codes that would connect to information about you as well as carry information for you? This card would admit you to the building, be loaded with money to be used in the cafeteria and in the vending machines, allow you to check out books and equipment, access the internet, print papers and other files, and organize your many online accounts. For schools, the chips would allow them to keep track of your attendance and in an emergency situation would allow them to account for every student. If you were injured, your codes would allow medical personnel to access your emergency medical forms and information and emergency contacts instantly. This would mean more security, which might actually allow for more liberty.

But what if you were required to wear your card at all times? What if it allowed the school to track your every move on school grounds?

Many schools have already moved to this technology for safety reasons. Others have moved to it for financial reasons where attendance figures are tied to state funding- and this technology provides exact counts.

In Texas, a 15 year old is suing her district over the requirement that she wear the ID card, and is being supported by the ACLU, the American Civil Liberties Union. In her case, religious arguments are being used in support of her opposition. Courts are soon to rule on the constitutional issues. You can check out her story here:

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What do you think? Would you like to have such an ID for all the benefits and conveniences it might bring? Or- would you rather not be required to wear such an ID out of concern for how closely it would allow the school to monitor your activities. Any other benefits? Any other concerns?