Which court case reaffirmed that FERPA does not create personally enforceable rights?

The correct choice, Gonzaga University v. Doe, is significant because it highlights how FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) does not establish rights that individuals can enforce through private lawsuits. In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that FERPA was intended to protect student privacy and ensure educational institutions comply with federal guidelines, but it does not grant students or parents the ability to sue for violation of their privacy rights as an enforceable claim under the law.

This case set a precedent by clarifying that while FERPA mandates certain standards for educational institutions regarding student records, the language of the statute does not confer a “private right of action.” Essentially, this means that individuals cannot take legal action against schools for FERPA violations in the same way they could for other constitutional or statutory rights. Understanding this distinction is critical for those working in education and healthcare sectors to navigate the boundaries of enforceable rights under FERPA.