They Won't Allow You To Tape Record A Meeting

Lee's Summit School District » Board Policies



Recording of Meetings


The Board of Education prohibits the use of audio, video or other recording devices at meetings held pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as other meetings between district employees and parents/guardians.  Exceptions to this prohibition will be made only in accordance with Board policy and law.  Requests for such exceptions must be made within a reasonable period of time prior to the scheduled meetings.  This prohibition does not apply to conversations held within view of district security cameras.

I would think that it would be critical for both sides.  This would eliminate any confusion or statements that are not true for both sides.  You only deny it when you have something to hide.  Below I will add what IDEA says about it.  The above statement is not accurate.  I asked for an exception and it was denied.

An IEP meeting should focus on how to provide appropriate education to a child with a disability. There should be no conversation at an IEP meeting that cannot be repeated or taped.

We are not aware of any law about a teacher or parent’s right not to be recorded during an IEP meeting.

Federal law does not prohibit a parent or school official from recording IEP meetings. State departments of education or school districts can require, prohibit, limit, or regulate the use of recording devices at IEP meetings.

But, if a school has a policy that prohibits parents from recording meetings, that policy must include exceptions to ensure that parents understand the IEP.

The district must make exceptions if this policy interferes with a parent’s ability to participate in the IEP process.

  • If the policy prevents parents from participating in an IEP meeting

  • If both parents are unable to attend the meeting

  • Other factors that interfere with parental rights

Many states have language in their special ed regulations about their policy on audio- and videotaping.  Check  your state’s regulation about recording. Schools cannot record meetings while prohibiting parents from recording.
OSEP refers to Appendix A of the final regulations implementing the 1997

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 1997) as the Department’s current position regarding the audio or video tape recording of IEP meetings.



“Part B does not address the use of audio or video recording devices at IEP  meetings, and no other Federal statute either authorizes or prohibits the recording of an IEP meeting by either a parent or a school official.”



See the OSEP policy letter (2003) and OSEP memorandum (1991) at http://www.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/letters/2003-2/redact060403iep2q2003.pdf
The OSEP memo cites cases where courts have held that parents have a right to tape record their child’s IEP meeting.
More articles on tape recording meetings:
- See more at: http://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/?p=1654#sthash.lTVKShbY.dpuf

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