The issue focused on records kept by public universities that contain student disciplinary histories and addresses students alleged to have violated campus policies. University administrators argued they should not be compelled to disclose such information because it could violate student privacy rights.

Under U.S. Supreme Court rulings from 1989 and 1993, colleges must obtain judicial approval before disclosing criminal convictions or juvenile adjudications in criminal justice records. Courts generally grant permission only after determining there are substantial grounds for granting an exemption under federal law. The appeals court judges ruled against the