Can schools disclose education records to auditors without consent?

Schools can indeed disclose education records to auditors without obtaining consent, but this is contingent upon the audits being conducted for compliance purposes. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), certain exceptions allow for the disclosure of education records without prior consent from parents or eligible students. Specifically, if an auditor is working to ensure that the educational institution complies with federal or state laws, these records can be shared in the interest of maintaining compliance and promoting accountability.

This provision recognizes the necessity of audits in the educational system, especially relating to federal programs or funding, where adherence to legal standards is paramount. The intent is to balance the need for institutional oversight and public accountability with the privacy rights of students. The other options point to various misunderstandings of FERPA regulations regarding consent requirements for disclosures, thus not aligning with the stipulations set forth by the law.