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Understanding the Family Education Right to Privacy Act (FERPA): Your Rights and Protections
Definition & Meaning
The Family Education Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of students' educational records. This law applies to students who are 18 years old or older, or those who are enrolled in a postsecondary institution. Under FERPA, students have the right to access and review their educational records, request amendments to those records, and control the disclosure of their personally identifiable information, such as names and addresses.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
FERPA is primarily used in the context of education law. It governs how educational institutions handle student records and ensures that students' privacy is respected. This law is relevant in various legal areas, including civil rights and education law. Users may find legal forms related to FERPA useful for requesting access to records or submitting amendment requests.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A college student wishes to review their grades and academic records. Under FERPA, they can request access to these records from their institution.
Example 2: A parent attempts to access their child's educational records after the child turns 18. The institution must deny this request unless the student provides written consent. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
The primary statute governing this area is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. § 1232g). This law outlines the rights of students and the responsibilities of educational institutions regarding the handling of educational records.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Key Differences
FERPA
Federal law protecting student educational records.
Specifically focuses on privacy rights and access to educational records.
HIPAA
Federal law protecting personal health information.
Applies to health records, not educational records.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you believe your rights under FERPA are being violated, you can:
Request access to your educational records from your institution.
Submit a request for amendment if you find inaccuracies in your records.
Consider using US Legal Forms to find templates for these requests.
If issues persist, seek assistance from a legal professional.
Find the legal form that fits your case
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