The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was enacted in 1974 to protect the privacy of student information by limiting the release of school records.^[1]

No organization is permitted to access student records without a signed FERPA release from the student unless they qualify as^[2]:

• School staff and administrators with a valid educational interest
• Faculty of other schools where the student may transfer
• Parents of dependent students (i.e., a full-time student under 24 years old)
• The issuer of a judicial order or subpoena
• Education authorities auditing a student’s compliance with financial aid requirements
• Organizations conducting studies for schools
• Accrediting agencies ensuring compliance with educational standards
• Authorities investigating a health or safety threat
• Any other agency or organization permitted under federal law