ED student database plan seen by critics as Big Brother ploy

The Kansas City Star reports on privacy concerns surrounding the U.S. Department of Education’s plan to keep a database of social security numbers of all U.S. college students. ED says the plan will help track graduation rates and shape policy surrounding higher education, but critics say it is a clear-cut example of Big Brother policy. Among other concerns, these critics worry that government officials might abuse the Patriot Act to access such information. (Note: This site requires registration.)