FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is a federal law enacted in 1974 that protects the privacy and security of students’ education records. It applies to all schools and education agencies that receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA governs how schools can collect, use, and disclose personal information of students.
One important aspect of FERPA is the protection of non-directory information. Non-directory information refers to any personally identifiable information (PII) that is not considered part of a student’s directory information. Directory information includes basic information such as name, address, phone number, and email address, among other things. However, non-directory information might include grades, test scores, disciplinary records, and medical information, among other sensitive information.
Under FERPA, schools cannot disclose non-directory information without the consent of the student or their parent/guardian if the student is a minor. This means that if a school wants to share this information with a third party, such as another educational institution or an employer, they need to obtain written permission from the student or their parent/guardian.
Additionally, FERPA requires schools to maintain the security of non-directory information by ensuring that it is kept confidential and is not accessible to unauthorized individuals. This includes ensuring that electronic records are adequately protected from cyber threats and that paper records are securely stored.
There are some exceptions to FERPA’s protection of non-directory information. For example, schools may disclose this information without consent in cases of health and safety emergencies or when legally required to do so by court order or subpoena.
In conclusion, FERPA has a significant impact on the protection of students’ privacy and security. The protection of non-directory information is a crucial aspect of this law, and it requires schools to obtain consent before disclosing this sensitive information to third parties. It also requires schools to ensure the security of non-directory information and to maintain confidentiality at all times. Students and parents should be aware of their rights under FERPA and should take an active role in protecting their personal information.
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