Most people enjoy their privacy. People take comfort in knowing they can go to doctors or lawyers and have information remain confidential.

SIUC has such a policy to protect its students. The University takes every precaution to ensure privacy is given to all students. Unfortunately, though, there are some instances when keeping personal information private can cause more damage to others.

Such was the case with the tuberculosis infection recently detected at SIUC. Health officials learned of the case March 9, but only the person infected was contacted. In fact, the University did not intend to release the name of the person to the public at any time.

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According to Dr. Cheryl Presley, the Health Services Clinic does not usually release medical information, even under subpoena. Such a policy could have serious implications in a case of a contagious disease such as TB. Although privacy is important, what would have been the implications if someone else were to fall ill because the University chose not to release information or the name of those infected?

The University sent out about 700 letters to people who may have been at risk, but there is a good possibility that some students were not identified nor sent letters. Administrators could have spread word much more quickly than the week it took to mail out letters.

The letters did have a beneficial effect, though. Almost half those who received letters were expected to take advantage of the free TB tests Wednesday.

Fortunately, Thanasis Topouzis had enough respect for his fellow students to come forward. His concern for others shows a character quality beneficial in life. His actions showed maturity and concern for others, something the University should consider if similar situations arrive in the future.

Sometimes the good of the public far outweighs an individual’s right to privacy. Thankfully, Topouzis had enough concern for others to sacrifice his privacy and ensure all those concerned about possibly contracting tuberculosis have the opportunity to be tested.

If he had not come forward, someone may have been infected that did not receive a letter. Although what the University did do was positive, keeping in mind what could have happened should be a guide to future decisions.