Privacy of Education Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law that safeguards the privacy of student education records at institutions across the United States. FERPA applies to all public schools and most private schools that receive federal funding, ensuring students and parents have rights to access and control the disclosure of educational information. This law balances access with privacy by allowing students and parents to review records while restricting unauthorized release of personally identifiable information.

Your Rights as a Student or Parent

FERPA grants students and parents the right to inspect and review education records, request corrections to inaccurate information, and control who can see their records. When a student turns 18 or attends college, these rights transfer from the parents to the student. Schools must respond to access requests within 45 days and cannot disclose records without written consent except under specific exceptions (Your FERPA rights, Accessing your education records).

School Responsibilities and Disclosure Rules

Schools must protect education records and obtain written consent before releasing most personally identifiable information. Some directory information, like names and addresses, may be shared unless students or parents opt out. FERPA also allows disclosure without consent in limited situations such as health and safety emergencies or to school officials with legitimate educational interests (Directory information, FERPA exceptions).

Special Considerations

FERPA protects sensitive records such as disciplinary files and recommendation letters, requiring written consent for disclosure. As education increasingly uses digital platforms, FERPA requires schools to maintain privacy standards for online learning environments (Disciplinary records, FERPA and online learning).

Managing Your FERPA Rights

Educational institutions are responsible for complying with FERPA and informing students and parents of their rights annually. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint to seek resolution. Understanding and exercising your FERPA rights helps protect your educational privacy and control over your personal information (Filing a FERPA complaint, FERPA in college).