In the case of Kaltenbach v. Hilliard City Sch., S.D.Ohio No. 2:23-cv-187 (April 20, 2023), a federal magistrate held that the students’ status as minors was a compelling factor in allowing the students to proceed in litigation anonymously against a school district.
In this case, the parents of several minor students argued that the minors be allowed to proceed in litigation anonymously because the subject matter of the case involved information of the utmost intimacy. The school district did not oppose the argument. The federal magistrate agreed with the parents.
In support of its decision, the federal magistrate explained:
All told, the prospective anonymous individuals’ status as minors is the most compelling factor in favor of allowing them to proceed anonymously. At this early stage in the litigation, when considered in conjunction with Plaintiffs’ other concerns and [the school district’s] non-opposition, this supports granting Plaintiffs’ Motion. Should the balance of the public’s right to access court proceedings against the litigants’ interests in nondisclosure shift during this litigation, the Court may revisit this holding.
Opinion and Order at 3.
To read this case, click here.
Authors: Matthew John Markling and the McGown & Markling Team.
Note: This blog entry does not constitute – nor does it contain – legal advice. Legal jurisprudence is like the always-changing Midwestern weather. As a result, this single blog entry cannot substitute for consultation with a McGown & Markling attorney. If legal advice is needed with respect to a specific factual situation, please feel free to contact a McGown & Markling attorney.