[The following message from Leroy Rooker, Director of the Department of Education's Family Policy Compliance Office, announces the release of a guidance letter from the Department that discusses changes made to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) after the September 11 terrorist attacks. The letter also provides an overview of the relevant provisions of current law.]
Dear Colleague:
During the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on our country on September 11, 2001, the Department has received many questions about how school and college officials may disclose information from students' education records to the FBI and other law enforcement agencies who have been conducting anti-terrorism investigations.
The concern of school officials is to insure that they do not violate the
privacy requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
in their effort to cooperate. In light of these continuing inquiries by
school officials, particularly at the postsecondary level, the Department
has prepared guidance. To obtain the guidance go the website ---
www.ed.gov/offices/OM/fpco/ and then click on Hot Topics to obtain the
document.
We would appreciate it very much if your organization would assist us by distributing this document or information on how to obtain it to your members and include the information in your next appropriate publication and mailing.
Should you or your members have any questions on FERPA, you may contact us at 202-260-3887 or FERPA@ED.GOV
LeRoy Rooker
Director
Family Policy Compliance Office
___________________________
The April 12, 2002 letter "Recent Amendments to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Relating to Anti-Terrorism Activities" is available in Word and PDF formats.
Posted May 3, 2002 on the NASFAA Web Site www.nasfaa.org
Please submit Web Site questions or comments to ask@nasfaa.org
