Which U.S. department is tasked with enforcing FERPA?

The U.S. Department of Education is the agency responsible for enforcing FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). This law governs the access and privacy of student education records, giving students certain rights regarding their personal information. The Department of Education oversees compliance and has the authority to investigate violations of FERPA by educational institutions that receive federal funding. By doing so, it ensures that students' educational records are handled in a way that respects their privacy and that institutions adhere to the mandates set forth by the law. This role is crucial in maintaining the integrity of educational environments and protecting student information.