Wisconsin Assembly approves adding parents to directories

MADISON — Public schools could release the names of students' parents and guardians under a bill approved by the state Assembly.

The measure passed Tuesday on a voice vote. It now heads to the Senate.

Schools must inform parents of what is considered directory data and provide them an opportunity to opt-out. Directory information currently includes such basic information as students' names, addresses, birthdates and phone numbers. The bill approved Tuesday would allow schools to also release the names of parents and guardians.

Opponents say it amounts to an invasion of privacy that could lead to unintended consequences, such as allowing people to obtain the names of students' parents for nefarious reasons. Supporters say it's a minor change and it doesn't make sense that schools couldn't list the names of students' parents on directories.