What to Know About Directory Information that Can Be Disclosed Without Consent
As a student, you have probably come across the term ‘directory information’ at some point. Typically found in school handbooks, this term refers to information about a student that is not considered confidential and can be made public without seeking the student’s or the parent’s consent. However, it’s essential to understand what directory information entails and what protection measures are in place to safeguard student privacy. This article provides in-depth information about directory information and its related concepts.
What Is Directory Information?
Directory information is information about a student that is not generally considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. It includes basic information such as the student’s name, address, email address, telephone number, date and place of birth, grade level, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.
Schools and districts share directory information with outside organizations, including colleges, universities, military recruiters, and marketing firms, without the students’ or parents’ consent. However, it’s essential to note that FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) requires educational institutions to allow students and their parents to opt-out of directory information being publicly shared.
Pros and Cons of Directory Information
The sharing of directory information has its pros and cons, both for students and schools. One benefit of directory information sharing is that it provides students with access to helpful and relevant educational content. Institutions can also use directory information to communicate effectively with students, inform them of opportunities, and invite them to participate in school events and activities.
On the other hand, sharing directory information can pose potential risks, such as enabling identity theft or making students vulnerable to unwanted solicitation. Therefore, institutions must balance the need to provide access to helpful and informative resources while protecting students’ privacy and safety.
FERPA Protection Measures
FERPA is a federal law that protects student privacy, including directory information. Under FERPA, educational institutions must obtain written consent from students before releasing any personally identifiable information. Institutions must also inform students of their right to opt-out of directory information being shared. If students or parents opt-out, the institution must not disclose any directory information without written consent.
Moreover, educational institutions must provide clear and concise public notice of the information they have designated as directory information, the right to opt-out, and the procedures for doing so. FERPA also requires institutions to safeguard student education records from unauthorized access and destruction.
Case Study: The Virginia Tech Tragedy
The Virginia Tech shooting in 2007 raised questions about the effectiveness of directory information in preventing school shootings. The shooter, Seung-Hui Cho, had a history of mental illness, and his mental condition was reportedly known by several faculty members. However, Virginia Tech failed to sufficiently share information between departments, which could have prevented the tragedy.
Since then, the Clery Act, a federal law requiring colleges and universities to disclose information about on-campus crimes, and emergency alert systems have been implemented at institutions nationwide. These measures aim to enhance the sharing of information and protect student safety.
Conclusion
In summary, directory information is information about a student that can be disclosed without consent. While it has benefits for students and schools, it can pose potential risks to student privacy and safety. Fortunately, FERPA provides protection measures and ensures student privacy. It’s essential to understand the implications of directory information sharing and take protective measures to mitigate risks.
