Secretary states that schools must comply with FERPA and PPRA providing parents access to student records.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) recently issued a letter to remind state and local education agencies of their obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). The letter emphasized that parents have the right to inspect and review their child’s educational records, including documents related to gender identity. The letter also highlighted concerns about inadequate parental notification regarding their rights.
“Parents are the most natural protectors of their children. Yet many states and school districts have enacted policies that imply students need protection from their parents,“ said Education Secretary Linda McMahon. “Going forward, the correct application of FERPA will be to empower all parents to protect their children from the radical ideologies that have taken over many schools.”
Schools that fail to meet these requirements could face investigations or the loss of federal funding. Investigations into California and Maine’s education departments have already begun following allegations of FERPA violations. Secretary McMahon has also directed the department to address a backlog of FERPA complaints.
The federal agency has requested states submit evidence of compliance by April 30, 2025.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary McMahon as she seeks to ensure American parents are aware of their rights to school information regarding their children.
- For Acting Director Frank Miller as he oversees the Student Privacy Policy Office and the investigations into states and schools that do not comply with federal privacy laws.
Sources: Department of Education
