What can students do if they believe their FERPA rights have been violated?

If students believe their FERPA rights have been violated, they have the option to file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO). This office is specifically designated to handle complaints regarding violations of FERPA. When a student believes that their educational records have been improperly handled or disclosed, the FPCO is the appropriate federal agency to which they can escalate their concerns. Filing a complaint with the FPCO can lead to an investigation into the alleged violations and potentially result in corrective action if the complaint is substantiated.

While it is often encouraged for students to first address concerns directly with their school, the definitive avenue for formal complaints regarding FERPA violations is through the FPCO, making this choice the most relevant and accurate in the context of protecting student rights under FERPA.