Dearborn Schools Pause Student Photos with Lifetouch Amid Parent Concerns

District cites social media allegations about Lifetouch's corporate ownership ties as reason for temporary halt.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Dearborn Public Schools in Michigan has temporarily paused student photo sessions with national photography company Lifetouch, citing recent social media concerns about the company's corporate ownership and executive ties. The district issued a letter to parents explaining it will research "alternative photography vendors" for its students out of an "abundance of caution" while it investigates the allegations.

Why it matters

The move by Dearborn Schools highlights growing parental concerns about student data privacy and the potential corporate connections of school service providers. As more school districts grapple with these issues, it could lead to increased scrutiny of Lifetouch and other major education technology companies.

The details

Dearborn Public Schools said it is aware of "recent concerns circulating on social media regarding corporate ownership and executive ties related to the parent company of Lifetouch." This appears to refer to allegations about investment fund manager Apollo Global Management, whose former CEO Leon Black met regularly with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Apollo funds later acquired Lifetouch's parent company, Shutterfly, in 2019.

  • Dearborn Public Schools issued a letter to parents on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • The Associated Press reported on the concerns some districts in Texas and elsewhere have raised about Lifetouch on Friday.

The players

Dearborn Public Schools

A school district in Southeast Michigan that has temporarily paused student photo sessions with Lifetouch.

Lifetouch

A national student photography company that has been the subject of recent social media allegations about its corporate ownership and executive ties.

Apollo Global Management

An investment fund management company whose former CEO Leon Black had connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Apollo funds later acquired Lifetouch's parent company, Shutterfly.

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What they’re saying

“We are aware of recent concerns circulating on social media regarding corporate ownership and executive ties related to the parent company of Lifetouch. Specifically, these concerns involve historical financial connections between a significant shareholder of Lifetouch's parent company and individuals under investigation for unrelated matters.”

— Dearborn Public Schools (Letter to parents)

“As a trusted partner to schools for 90 years, we're committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of every student we serve. When Lifetouch photographers take your student's picture, that image is safeguarded for families and schools, only, with no exceptions. Lifetouch does not – and has never provided – images to any third party.”

— Lifetouch (Company statement)

What’s next

Dearborn Public Schools plans to provide further updates to the community as more information becomes available about its investigation into alternative photography vendors.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing parental concerns about student data privacy and the need for school districts to carefully vet the corporate ties and practices of their service providers, even long-standing partners like Lifetouch. It could spur other districts to take similar precautionary measures.