What is the federal law regarding student records?

The “Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act,” referred to as “FERPA,” was passed by Congress in 1974. FERPA and its regulations establish:

• A student’s right to inspect and review their records;
• A student’s right to limit disclosure of their education record per FERPA;
• A student’s right to challenge the content of their records;
• The institution’s obligation to notify students of their rights under FERPA and its regulations;
• Recourse for students and the federal government when an educational institution violates FERPA.

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Next: FERPA Overview