Visiting Student Athletes Secretly Recorded at Private School

Three students file complaint alleging violation of privacy at Santa Fe Christian Schools

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a security camera lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the violation of privacy experienced by student athletes.A security camera lens captures more than just physical evidence, exposing a troubling breach of trust between a school and its visiting student athletes.Solana Beach Today

A group of student athletes have filed a complaint against a private school in Southern California, alleging that the school secretly monitored and recorded them while they were using a makeshift locker room inside the school's choir room. The complaint claims the students were unaware of the camera's presence and that the school failed to disclose its existence.

Why it matters

This case raises serious concerns about privacy rights and the protection of minors, especially in the context of school sports. The alleged actions by the private school, if proven true, could constitute a significant violation of California's constitutional and statutory privacy laws.

The details

According to the complaint filed by the Adler Law Group, three student athletes allege that Santa Fe Christian Schools in Solana Beach, California secretly recorded them and other visiting players while they were undressing and conducting other private activities in the choir room, which was being used as a makeshift locker room. The attorney representing the students claims the school did not disclose the presence of the camera to the visiting teams.

  • The complaint was filed on April 1, 2026.
  • The students allegedly became aware of the camera on January 17, 2026, when the school's athletic director showed the video to the visiting team's athletic director.

The players

Adler Law Group APLC

The law firm representing the three student athletes who filed the complaint against Santa Fe Christian Schools.

Ellen Adler

A partner at the Adler Law Group who is representing the students in the complaint.

Santa Fe Christian Schools

The private school in Solana Beach, California that is accused of secretly recording visiting student athletes in a makeshift locker room.

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What they’re saying

“We were shocked that there were any cameras in there as students dress and undress in there.”

— Ellen Adler, Partner, Adler Law Group

“This was in violation of California's constitution, the right to privacy, and also various statutory, both criminal and civil statues concerning the right to privacy.”

— Ellen Adler, Partner, Adler Law Group

What’s next

The Adler Law Group is seeking to stop any further recording of visiting athletes, prevent the distribution of any existing recordings, and obtain fair compensation for the affected players. The attorney says this could lead to a larger proposed lawsuit involving hundreds of potentially impacted student athletes.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of privacy protections, especially for minors, in the context of school sports. The alleged actions by the private school, if proven true, represent a serious breach of trust and could have significant legal consequences.