Can students restrict access to their education records?

Students can indeed request limitations on who can access their education records under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). This right allows students to control the disclosure of their personally identifiable information and to specify which individuals or entities may view their education records.

FERPA grants students the ability to place restrictions on the access to their records, which can enhance their privacy and ensure that sensitive personal information is not shared without their consent. This aspect of student rights under FERPA is crucial for fostering a safe and trusting educational environment.

The other choices reflect misunderstandings of FERPA's provisions. For instance, stating that students cannot restrict access incorrectly dismisses a fundamental aspect of their rights. Similarly, the notion that only parents can restrict access misrepresents the rights bestowed upon students by FERPA, particularly after they reach a certain age or attend a postsecondary institution. Finally, the limitation of restricting access only for specific subjects does not align with FERPA’s broader protections which cover all education records held by the institution.