Ferpa Violation Examples.FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is a federal law in the United States that protects the privacy of student education records. Violating FERPA can have serious legal and ethical consequences. Here are 10 examples of FERPA violations:
Ferpa Violation Examples
- Unauthorized Disclosure of Grades: Sharing a student’s grades or academic performance without their consent.
- Accessing Records Without Permission: School staff accessing student records they have no legitimate reason to access, such as looking up a celebrity’s records for personal curiosity.
- Public Posting of Grades: Displaying student grades or information in a public or online forum where others can view them without consent.
- Overheard Conversations: Discussing a student’s confidential information in a public area where others can overhear.
- Leaving Documents in Public View: Leaving physical documents containing student information in an area where unauthorized individuals can see them.
- Sharing Information with Third Parties: Sharing student records with third parties, such as marketers or potential employers, without explicit consent.
- Non-Consensual Research Participation: Involving students in research studies without obtaining proper consent or ensuring their data is anonymized.
- Releasing Information During Media Inquiries: Sharing student information with the media without consent, even if it is in response to inquiries.
- Inadequate Data Security: Failing to secure electronic or physical student records, leading to potential unauthorized access.
- Non-Compliance with Parental Rights: Denying parents or guardians their rights to access their child’s education records.
It’s important to note that FERPA violations can vary in severity, and the consequences can range from corrective actions to loss of federal funding for educational institutions. Always ensure that you are aware of and adhere to FERPA guidelines to protect student privacy and avoid violations.
