What happens if a school fails to comply with FERPA?

If a school fails to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), it may face legal consequences. FERPA establishes privacy rights for students regarding their educational records, and non-compliance can result in various legal actions. Schools are required to protect the confidentiality of students' educational records, and failure to do so can lead to complaints, investigations, and potential lawsuits. This legal framework ensures that schools adhere to proper protocols for handling sensitive information, thus reinforcing the importance of student privacy and institutional accountability.

In contrast, losing federal funding or being notified by parents is not an automatic outcome of non-compliance. While a school may risk funding in extreme cases, the consequences tend to focus more on legal ramifications and rectifying the situation to align with FERPA requirements rather than immediate fiscal penalties or parental notifications. Additionally, it is inaccurate to suggest there are no repercussions for non-compliance, as the act itself is designed to enforce compliance and protect student rights.