Introduction
The Shaker Gender & Sexuality Alliance ("Shaker GSA," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and interact with our services.
We take student privacy seriously, especially given the sensitive nature of LGBTQ+ identity and community involvement. We will never share your personal information without your explicit consent, except as required by law.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide to Us
We may collect the following information when you voluntarily provide it:
- Contact Information: If you have an admin level account, your name, email, and password are stored.
- Participation Data: Event registrations, resource access, and feedback you provide
- Communications: Messages sent through contact forms or direct communication with GSA leadership
Information Automatically Collected
When you visit our website, we, or our service providers, may automatically collect:
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked, and navigation patterns
- Device Information: Browser type, operating system, IP address, and device identifiers may be stored.
- Cookies: Small data files stored on your device to improve functionality and user experience
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide resources and support tailored to our community
- Improve our website and services
- Ensure the safety and security of our community
- Comply with legal obligations
Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services that may collect and process your data:
- Appwrite: Our backend database service that stores user data, event information, and news content. Appwrite's privacy policy governs their data handling practices.
- Simple Analytics: We use Simple Analytics to understand how our website is used. This analytics service collects usage data such as pages visited, time spent, and navigation patterns. Simple Analytics is privacy-focused and GDPR-compliant. It respects the "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal. For more information, visit simpleanalytics.com.
These third parties have their own privacy policies and data practices. We encourage you to review them.
Data Security & Confidentiality
We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:
- Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS)
- Secure database storage with access controls
- Limited access to personal information (only authorized GSA leadership)
- Regular security reviews and updates
Confidentiality Commitment: We understand that involvement with a GSA may be sensitive information. We will not disclose your participation, identity information, or personal details to anyone outside authorized GSA leadership and school administration without your explicit permission, except as required by law.
Data Sharing & Disclosure
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information only in these limited circumstances:
- With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share information
- School Administration: When necessary for event coordination or student safety, and in compliance with school policies
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or legal process
- Safety Emergencies: When we believe disclosure is necessary to protect someone's safety or prevent harm
- Service Providers: With third-party services (like Appwrite) that help us operate our website and services
Mandatory Reporting
Important: School staff and some adult volunteers may be mandatory reporters under state law. If you disclose information suggesting abuse, neglect, or imminent harm to yourself or others, they may be required to report it to appropriate authorities, even if you request confidentiality.
Your Rights & Choices
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
- Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from communications at any time
- Cookies: Disable cookies through your browser settings (may affect functionality)
- Anonymity: Participate anonymously in many GSA activities if you choose
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.
Minors' Privacy
Our website and services are designed for students, including those under 18. We comply with applicable laws regarding minors' privacy, including the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
If you are under 18, please discuss with a parent, guardian, or trusted adult before providing personal information online.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to:
- Provide services you've requested
- Comply with legal obligations
- Maintain records for school requirements
Upon request, we will delete your information unless we have a legal obligation to retain it.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date
- Announcing changes at GSA meetings or through our communication channels
Your continued use of our website after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
- GSA Leadership: Through our Google Classroom or at GSA meetings
- School Administration: Contact your school counselor or administration office
- Email: asheridan@nccsk12.org
Additional Resources
For more information about online privacy and student rights:
Your Safety Matters
If you have concerns about your privacy or safety, please reach out to a trusted adult, school counselor, or use our crisis resources.