Which federal law helps protect the privacy of student educational records?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is specifically designed to protect the privacy of student educational records. Under FERPA, parents or guardians have the right to access their children's education records, as well as the right to request corrections to those records if they believe there is an error. Once a student turns 18 years old or attends a school beyond the high school level, FERPA rights transfer to the student.

FERPA restricts the release of personally identifiable information from students' education records without written consent from the student or parent. This law plays a crucial role in safeguarding students' educational privacy, ensuring that their sensitive information is not disclosed improperly, which can be vital in protecting their rights and maintaining their trust in the educational system.

In contrast, the other options provide protections in different contexts: the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) relates to job-protected leave for medical reasons, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) pertains to eliminating discrimination against individuals with disabilities, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) focuses on the confidentiality of medical records and health information. Each serves a unique purpose, but FERPA specifically addresses the privacy of educational records.