Mishmeres HaSholom: Ask the Rav

Q:As part of my job as a secretary in a yeshivah, I am required to enter students’ days of absence and lateness, and their test marks, into the computer. I know some of the students and I’m worried that I am constantly transgressing issurim of lashon hara because there is no toeles in my knowing this information about the students. What should I do?

A:Entering the information into the computer is the job of a secretary, and not that of a Rosh Yeshivah, mashgiach, or other staff member. A secretary is a member of the yeshivah staff whose work it is to execute the necessary technical jobs for the smooth running of the yeshivah. Because your job is for the toeles of the smooth running of the yeshivah, you are permitted to be privy to this information regarding the boys. Obviously, you should take care not to leak information to the general public.