District Of Columbia § 38-355 - Limitations; protections.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 38-355 — Limitations; protections., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38-355. Limitations; protections.
38-355The Ombudsman shall not:
Disclose personally identifiable information regarding a student without the specific written consent of the student or parent, as required by federal and local law;
Disclose the substance of a conversation with any teacher or other official or employee within the public school system without consent;
Disclose the identity of any person who brings a complaint or provides information to the Ombudsman without the person’s consent, unless the Ombudsman determines that disclosure is unavoidable or necessary to further the ends of an investigation;
Have the authority to take any personnel action;
Examine or investigate any matter that would be under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Inspector General or the Office of District of Columbia Auditor;
Examine the Executive Office of the Mayor, the Council or its personnel, the District of Columbia courts or its personnel, other elected officials, private schools, or private organizations or businesses; or
Provide legal advice or legal representation.
The Ombudsman shall not:
Be compelled to testify in a legal or administrative proceeding regarding an Office of Ombudsman examination or to release information gathered during the course of an examination or investigation;
Be held personally liable for the good faith performance of his or her responsibilities under this chapter, except that no immunity shall extend to criminal acts, or other acts that violate District or federal law; or
Be subject to retaliatory action for the good faith performance of his or her responsibilities under this chapter.
Annotations
Section 7016 of repealed , § 5.
Applicability of : Section 5 of provided that section 3 of the act shall apply upon the inclusion of its fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan, as certified by the Chief Financial Officer to the Budget Director of the Council in a certification published by the Council in the District of Columbia Register.
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 38-355
What does D.C. Code § 38-355 cover?
Section 38-355 ("Limitations; protections.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 38-355?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 38-355" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 38-355 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.