What must schools do if they disclose educational records without consent?

When schools disclose educational records without obtaining the necessary consent, they are required to inform the student or parent of that disclosure. This obligation stems from the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which not only protects the privacy of student educational records but also ensures that students and their parents are aware of any instances where their information has been shared without permission. This notification allows them to understand what information was disclosed, to whom, and for what purpose, reinforcing their rights under FERPA.

The requirement to inform the student or parent emphasizes transparency and accountability in the handling of educational records. It helps maintain trust between educational institutions and those they serve, ensuring that stakeholders are kept in the loop regarding the privacy of sensitive information. Schools must take this responsibility seriously and establish proper protocols for notifying students or parents in the event of such disclosures.