Michelle Goldberg reports: Anyone who has reported on campus sexual assault knows that school administrations rarely respond, even when they feel unfairly maligned, because they fear violating the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA. Passed in 1974, FERPA is a federal law that bans the release of students’ personal information without their consent. “Schools…
Category: Youth & Schools
Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified strengthens student data protections
Ed Pilolla reports: The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District is tightening its student data privacy policies to limit the ability of software companies to share and sell student data. The new measures include bolstering software contract language and issuing new rules for teachers assigning students to use software programs and websites for class work….
Georgia Southern expands use of iris biometrics
Andrew Hudson reports: Often the subject of privacy concerns, biometrics is enjoying growing acceptance in higher ed, in part, because students are increasingly inundated and accustomed with the technology as a standard feature on mobile devices. This trend has been reflected at Georgia Southern since last year when iris biometrics were implemented at campus dining halls as part of…
When Students Become Patients, Privacy Suffers
Charles Ornstein reports: During her senior year at Yale University, Andrea faced spiraling depression and anxiety. She sought treatment at the campus health center, where she received medication and therapy. By the final week of classes, though, her struggles had grown more intense. Andrea was drinking heavily and contemplating suicide. She was hospitalized against her…