Earlier this month Massapequa School District alumni received an urgent mailing requesting that they update the new "Alumni Directory" within ten days. The letter, on its face, seems genuine enough; signed by the Massapequa Board President and emblazoned with the school district logo. To a limited extent, the mailing is forthcoming in the information it proffers. Nevertheless, it is the omissions that should raise more than an eyebrow.

The letter mentions the school district is working with Harris Connect to create the new "Alumni Directory." This is better described as the school board opting to release the personal "directory" information of post 1953 graduates to Harris Connect. The letter mentions Harris as a partner in the "Alumni Directory." It would be more accurate to say Harris Connect, a mass marketing agency, will now collect, analyze and market alumni's personal information. The letter closes by requesting a timely phone call to update the alum's "enhanced graduate biography." Most would call this a thinly veiled scheme to gather additional information that could not be collected legally through the collusion of Harris and the board. While the letter alone is disingenuous, the decision by the board to release, and facilitate the collection of, personal information for corporate use is unethical.

I know why I shred sensitive mail and proceed cautiously in divulging personal identifiers. It's to avoid the ever-increasing risks of identity theft and the financial nightmare created when one falls victim to this crime. I also know why I ask to be included in "Do Not Call Lists" that are so popular today. Of course it is to avoid unsolicited advertisements and unnecessary interruptions. What I don't know is why I go to the trouble when the school board unilaterally decides that they have a more fitting use for my personal information-its sale. In my opinion our identity should never be subject to sale by those entrusted with its care.

Terrence M. Riley