Understanding Ferpa: What Is Directory Information and Why Is Consent Required?
As a student or parent, you might have come across the term Ferpa and wondered what it is and why it matters. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or Ferpa, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It applies to all schools that receive federal funding.
One of the most important aspects of Ferpa is the concept of directory information. Directory information refers to student information that is considered public and can be disclosed without the student’s consent. This includes information such as the student’s name, address, phone number, email address, date and place of birth, major field of study, enrollment status, and participation in recognized organizations.
However, even though this information is considered public, schools are required to notify students and parents of their right to opt-out of having their directory information released without their consent. This means that if you don’t want your information to be disclosed, you can request that your school does not release it.
But why is consent required for directory information when it’s already considered public? The reason is that some individuals may not want their personal information to be shared with the public, even if it’s just limited to directory information. For example, someone might not want their phone number and email address listed publicly, as it could lead to unsolicited messages and calls.
Moreover, directory information could also be used for marketing and advertising purposes by companies looking to sell products or services to students. In such cases, students and parents would want to be aware of these uses and have the option to opt-out if they do not want their information to be used for such purposes.
It’s important to note that Ferpa does not apply to students once they have graduated or to deceased individuals. Additionally, schools have some discretion in deciding what information qualifies as directory information and should provide a list of such items in their annual notification to students and families.
In conclusion, directory information is an important aspect of Ferpa and refers to student information that is considered public but still requires consent for disclosure. Students and parents have the right to opt-out of having their information released and should be aware of potential uses of their information by third-party companies. By understanding Ferpa and directory information, students and families can better protect their privacy rights.
