FERPA refers to the acronym for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which is a federal law enacted in the United States in 1974. It establishes specific rules and regulations regarding the privacy and access to educational records of students. FERPA is designed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of student information while granting certain rights to parents and students themselves.
Under FERPA, educational records containing personally identifiable information (such as names, addresses, and social security numbers) are protected from public disclosure without prior consent. Educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities that receive federal funding, are required to comply with this act.
FERPA grants eligible students, typically those over the age of 18 or attending a higher education institution, the right to inspect and review their educational records, request corrections to inaccuracies, and control the disclosure of their information to third parties. Parents of eligible students may also have access to their child's educational records if the student is considered a dependent.
Additionally, FERPA outlines limited exceptions for the release of student information without consent, including in cases of health and safety emergencies or to comply with a court order. Institutions found in violation of FERPA regulations may face financial penalties or have their federal funding revoked.
Overall, FERPA plays an essential role in safeguarding the privacy of students' educational records and ensuring that their personal information remains confidential and protected.
