Can institutions share educational records with law enforcement without consent?

Institutions can share educational records with law enforcement without consent in certain circumstances, which is why this choice is the correct answer. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), there are specific exceptions that allow for the disclosure of student records without consent. One notable exception is when a health or safety emergency exists, where sharing information with law enforcement can help protect the safety of individuals. Moreover, if a law enforcement agency presents a valid subpoena or court order, the institution may also disclose records without needing consent from the student.

This flexibility is in place to ensure that law enforcement can access necessary information in situations that involve immediate threats to the safety of students or the campus community. Understanding these exceptions is crucial for both educational institutions and law enforcement to balance student privacy rights with the need for safety and security.