When do I have to reveal information?
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When do I have to reveal information?
There was an altercation of words at my apartment, off college campus grounds.
The Altercation was between two of my guests and my now ex-roommate because of a
conversation my ex-roommate was eavesdropping on. My ex-roommate has since gone
to the dean and the dean is demanding to know the names of my guests. Nothing
criminal or illegal occurred that night just an exchange of words. Am I within my
legal right to refuse to give the Dean the names of my guest?
Asked on October 12, 2016 under Personal Injury, Tennessee
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Under the law generally, you would not have to reveal to a private person (the dean) or entity (the college) this information unless properly subpoenaed for it in the context of a lawsuit. But your college's code of student conduct, discriplinary rules, and/or any agreement(s) you signed in matriculating may require you to comply with the dean's request; if so, you would be obligated contractually (by signing up to go to school there, you agree to follow their rules) to provide the information. You could respectfully state to dean's office that you would prefer not to do this, but that if they believe they have the authority to require this, ask if they can provide you that authority (e.g. the pages in the student handbook or rules of conduct). Review whatever authority they provide: you can then decide if you must honor this request.
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