What can a student or parent do if they believe their FERPA rights have been violated?

When a student or parent believes their FERPA rights have been violated, they have the option to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. This is the appropriate course of action because the Department is responsible for enforcing FERPA regulations and can investigate complaints regarding possible violations. By filing a complaint, individuals initiate an official review process, potentially leading to corrective actions if the rights of the student or parent have indeed been infringed.

The other options do not provide a structural or effective way to address violations of FERPA rights. Contacting the school principal directly might not yield the necessary actions, especially if the principal is part of the situation being questioned. Discussing the issue with other students lacks a formal mechanism for redress and does not address the violation directly with authorities capable of making changes. Ignoring the situation undermines the protection that FERPA intends to provide and could lead to ongoing issues without resolution. Therefore, filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education is the most appropriate and effective response in this scenario.