What is the statute of limitations for filing a FERPA complaint?

The statute of limitations for filing a FERPA complaint is 180 days. This means that if a student or an eligible parent believes that their rights under FERPA have been violated, they must file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) within 180 days of the alleged violation. This time frame encourages timely reporting of grievances, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly and providing educational institutions with a reasonable period to investigate and respond. By having a specific timeframe, it balances the rights of individuals to seek resolution while also giving institutions the necessary parameters to handle complaints effectively.