There are several key exceptions under FERPA that allow the disclosure of students' personally identifiable information (PII) from education records without written consent. These exceptions include disclosures:
- To school officials, contractors, consultants, volunteers, or agents with a legitimate educational interest in the records.
- To officials of another school where the student seeks to enroll.
- To federal and state educational authorities for purposes related to federally-supported education programs and enforcing legal requirements.
- To persons or entities involved in determining or granting financial aid.
- To testing, research, or accrediting organizations conducting studies or evaluations on behalf of the educational institution.
- In compliance with a court order or lawfully issued subpoena.
- In narrowly defined emergencies affecting health and safety of the student or others.
- To state and local authorities within juvenile justice systems, as permitted by specific state law.
- To victims of crimes of violence or non-forcible sex offenses with restrictions on information disclosed.
- To parents of dependent students for IRS tax purposes.
- To the general public the final results of disciplinary proceedings in cases involving crimes of violence or non-forcible sex offenses committed by the student.
These exceptions are subject to specific regulatory requirements and conditions to protect student privacy, including record-keeping and limited scope of information disclosed.
