Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Plain English Summary
Protects the privacy of student education records and gives parents and students rights to access and control their records.
Full Text
Educational institutions receiving federal funding must protect the privacy of student education records. Parents have the right to inspect and review their children's records, request amendments, and consent to disclosures. These rights transfer to the student at age 18 or when the student attends a postsecondary institution.
Schools may disclose directory information (name, address, phone number, dates of attendance) without consent but must notify parents or students and allow them to opt out. Disclosures without consent are permitted to school officials with legitimate educational interests, other schools, and in connection with financial aid.