Can a school disclose educational records without consent?

A school can disclose educational records without consent in specific situations, particularly during health or safety emergencies. Under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), exceptions allow schools to share information when there is an imminent threat to the health or safety of students or others. This provision enables timely intervention that can prevent serious harm.

For instance, if a student expresses intentions to harm themselves or others, or if there’s a crisis situation, school officials may disclose relevant records to appropriate authorities or individuals without obtaining prior consent. This flexibility ensures that students' safety and well-being can be prioritized in urgent circumstances.

Other options presented may imply misinterpretations of FERPA regulations or contextual limitations that do not align with the law's provisions regarding emergencies.