Which statement about FERPA is FALSE?

• A. It protects the privacy of student education records
• B. It applies to schools that receive federal funds
• C. Rights transfer to students at age 18 or attending beyond high school
• D. It requires all records to be publicly accessible

Answer: (D)

FERPA centers on who can access student education records and under what conditions. It protects the privacy of those records and applies to schools that receive federal funds, covering both K–12 and postsecondary institutions. When a student turns 18 or begins attending college, the rights to access and control those records transfer from the parents to the student. Importantly, FERPA does not require all records to be publicly accessible. Access is restricted and typically requires consent, with only specific, limited exceptions for disclosures to school officials with legitimate educational interests, certain legal or safety situations, or through allowed categories like directory information (which can be shared unless a family opts out). That contrast is why the statement about universal public access is not correct.