When can a school release a student’s educational records without consent?

A school can release a student’s educational records without consent in specific situations outlined by FERPA, one of which is during an emergency. In emergency situations, if the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or others, the school is permitted to disclose the records without prior consent. This provision is designed to allow schools to act quickly when there is a significant and immediate threat, ensuring that appropriate actions can be taken to address the emergency.

Access to educational records under circumstances such as statistical reporting, a student's age turning 18, or auditing purposes typically requires consent from the student or their parents. While audits and statistical disclosures serve important administrative functions, they do not fit the immediate response scenario that justifies releasing records during an emergency.