On March 12, 2020, the US Department of Education (ED) released FAQ guidance for all schools subject to the
student privacy requirements of the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act (FERPA) related to implementing plans to react to the
COVID-19 pandemic. This guidance is applicable to both K-12 and
postsecondary schools.
The FAQ directs school officials to "work with their state
and local public health officials to determine the information
needed to address this public health concern. Understanding how,
what and when information can be shared is a critical part of
preparedness."
A primary focus of the FAQ is to provide additional information
regarding the health and safety exception to FERPA's general
rule that student (or parent) consent is required before disclosing
personally identifiable information (PII) to third parties.
