Can educational institutions share student records without consent?

Educational institutions can share student records without consent under certain exceptions outlined by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). These exceptions allow schools to disclose personally identifiable information from a student's education records without obtaining prior consent in specific circumstances.

For example, schools may share information with other educational institutions where a student intends to enroll, for financial aid purposes, in response to a judicial order or subpoena, or to comply with a health or safety emergency. The law recognizes these situations as critical for the administration of educational programs and the welfare of students.

This ability to share information under defined circumstances is crucial for educational institutions to operate effectively while still providing protections for student privacy. It reflects the balance between privacy rights and the practical needs for communication regarding student records.