CMS mistakenly emails private medical info for nearly 3,000 students

CHARLOTTE — An email shared with hundreds of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools parents included names, addresses and medical information for nearly 3,000 students. Some of that private information included mental health and medications as well as allergies.

The email was sent on Friday and CMS tried to recall it.

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The email went to families registered in the district’s after-school enrichment programs.

Two CMS families sent Channel 9 the apology they received from CMS that read, “We take very seriously our responsibility to properly manage data and to keep information confidential, and we apologize for this error and any inconvenience caused.”

“Outside of my close family and friends, I’m not sure most of my friends even know my child’s name, let alone what other medical issues he may have,” parent Ashanti Huey said.

Huey was outraged after learning about the district’s mistake.

“The first was absolute panic because I wasn’t sure what information exactly was leaked when it happened,” Huey said.

District officials also asked parents to delete the spreadsheet. Huey said she will talk to her 5-year-old son about the importance of trusting the right people.

“I’m gonna have to own up to my kid. ‘Some of your personal information may be out there. Mommy and daddy are very sorry. We trusted the wrong people,’” Huey said.

Channel 9 reached out to CMS with questions about the email but we have not heard back from officials.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

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