Parents complain after Idaho Falls High School screens 'inappropriate' dance photos - East Idaho News
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Parents complain after Idaho Falls High School screens ‘inappropriate’ dance photos

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IDAHO FALLS — Some parents say it’s an invasion of privacy, but administrators say it’s the rules.

Last week, Idaho Falls High School students learned their May 7 Commencement Dance photos were available for pick-up at the office.

The excitement, however, wasn’t shared by all.

When some students went to collect their photos, they received a letter requesting permission from their parents for the school to release the pictures.

“Some inappropriate hand signs, gestures or poses were allowed,” the letter stated. “We kept any picture with any of these, whether we know that they are inappropriate or not, and will not release the pictures to the students unless you are willing to sign below giving us your consent.”

READ THE ENTIRE LETTER HERE

The one-page letter, signed by Principal Bob Devine, stated Bell Photographers, the photographer for the dance, was instructed not to allow gestures or poses in photos.

“The agreement we had with the photographer regarding gestures or poses was not held up on their end,” Devine tells EastIdahoNews.com. “We simply wanted parents to acknowledge that there was potential that some of the photos may be deemed inappropriate.”

Twenty to 30 students received the letter, according to Devine. He said parents and school leaders are often unaware of the true interpretation of hand signs or poses, so all gestures were banned while photos were being taken.

“We don’t want to get into the business of researching every sign, ever pose or every gesture,” Devine says. “These references change sometimes on a daily basis.”

Some parents say the school has overstepped its boundaries.

“The photographs taken were between the students and the photography company – a private business,” one parent, who asked not be named, tells EastIdahoNews.com. “School faculty have no business thumbing through the photos, offering their opinion and forcing parents to sign for their release.”

Devine says he has received one complaint about the release form, and two parents have called to thank him for sending the letter. He promises changes for the next dance.

“Bell (Photographers) is developing a sign for all students to read BEFORE picture taking, and will have students sign a form, while waiting in line, that they understand the expectations (for their photos),” Devine wrote.

Bell Photographers has apologized for the mistake and the company is offering refunds to parents who are unhappy with the photos.

“We will do whatever it takes to make this right,” Tayson Webb, Bell Photographers regional manager, told EastIdahoNews.com. “We will follow specific rules as set by specific schools.”

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