The company says the former CEO and its board of directors never had access to student photos and denies any connection to Epstein.
SAN ANTONIO — Schools across the country are cutting ties with the photography company Lifetouch after reports its corporate leadership was tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The school photography company was acquired by Apollo Global Management and former CEO Leon Black, who reportedly had financial ties to Epstein.
The company says the former CEO and its board of directors never had access to student photos and denies any connection to Epstein.
On Friday, Northeast Independent School District (NEISD) said their legal team reached out to the company to ensure images have not been shared, background checks were conducted for anyone who came on campus to take pictures and asked about how the company disposes of images.
Below is the district’s full statement:
Dear North East ISD Family,
We want to address concerns circulating right now over Lifetouch Photography and whether it keeps children’s data and images safe. Student well-being and safety is always a top priority, and we appreciate the opportunity to explain the safeguards NEISD has in place.
As part of our contract with Lifetouch, student photos are only shared for the purposes of school records and for their purchase by parents or guardians. Lifetouch is also required to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and they may not share images with any third party.
In light of recent developments, NEISD’s legal counsel has reached out to the company to ensure the terms and conditions of Lifetouch’s contract meet our expectations. We have asked the company to confirm the following:
- That Lifetouch conducts thorough background checks on any personnel who provide photography services for students on campuses.
- Written assurance/confirmation that Lifetouch has not, and does not, share any images or other student/parent information with any third parties without express authorization from parents or the District.
- Written explanation as to how such information is kept secure while it is in Lifetouch’s possession, as well as confirmation in writing that no one, even a Lifetouch employee or representative, can improperly access or use such information.
- How Lifetouch disposes of student images and information once services are completed.
Additionally, as new information continues to develop, we will evaluate whether a continued partnership is in the best interest of our District. Here is a statement that Lifetouch sent our District.
In the meantime, please know that vendors like Lifetouch are required to go through an extensive vetting process. Anytime a vendor is on campus in close proximity to students, those individuals must pass a thorough background check.
We appreciate the parents who have reached out to us. Remember, pictures are always optional and are not required. We take your concerns very seriously and will continue to review each and every vendor that does business with NEISD.