Wyoming Privacy of School Records Laws
By Jade Yeban, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Susan Mills Richmond, Esq. | Last reviewed May 05, 2024
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In the state of Wyoming, school privacy laws play a crucial role in safeguarding students' personal information. These laws are designed to protect the privacy of students and their families and their school enrollment information. Records can only be accessed by authorized persons. Let's explore Wyoming's school privacy laws in more detail below.
Privacy of School Records Laws Generally
Privacy of school records laws are governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) at the federal level. FERPA is the cornerstone of student privacy protection in the United States. It safeguards student education record confidentiality. Under FERPA, education records encompass a broad array of personally identifiable information (PII).
PII encompasses a range of information. This includes academic transcripts, disciplinary records, and contact information. The federal law grants parents and eligible students the right to review their education records. They can also request amendments to their records. They can place strict limits on the disclosure of such records without consent. Schools and educational agencies must adhere to FERPA's guidelines. They should do so to ensure compliance with federal privacy standards. They must uphold the privacy rights of students and their families.
FERPA does have some exceptions. These allow for the disclosure of education records without consent in certain circumstances. For instance, school officials may disclose records to other school personnel. But they must have a legitimate educational interest in accessing the information. Law enforcement agencies may also gain access to student records without consent. But this is only under specific conditions, such as a court order or subpoena.
FERPA also allows the release of directory information. Directory information includes a student's name or telephone number. Schools must inform parents, legal guardians, and eligible students of their right to opt out of such disclosures.
Wyoming School Privacy Laws
In Wyoming, privacy laws are shaped by both federal statutes like FERPA and state-specific regulations. Wyoming law supplements federal protections by providing more detailed provisions and procedures. These laws concern the privacy of student records within the state. These laws may address various aspects of student privacy. This can include the retention, dissemination, and security of education records.
In certain circumstances, records can be disclosed without consent. Schools and educational agencies in Wyoming need to be well-versed in both federal and state privacy laws. This helps ensure compliance and protect the privacy rights of students and their families.
| Code Section | Wyoming Statutes § 16-4-203(d)(viii) |
|---|---|
| Who Has Access to School Records? | Access to school records is granted to authorized personswith a legitimate educational interest in the information contained. This includes school administrators who require access to student data to fulfill their professional duties. Parents or legal guardians of minor students have the right to access their children's educational records. Eligible students who have reached the age of majority or are attending post-secondary institutions can access their own records. |
| Agency to Contact for Complaints | You may want to file a complaint about school record privacy violations. If so, contact the U.S. Department of Education Student Privacy Policy Office. |
| Penalty for Violation of School Record Privacy Laws | Violations can result in severe penalties at the federal level. Schools found in violation of FERPA may face the loss of federal funding. This includes both grants and loans. Those responsible for unauthorized disclosure of student records can also be held responsible. This means they are subject to fines or other disciplinary actions. The U.S. Department of Education may impose these penalties. Wyoming public records laws are enforced with civil penalties. The state Attorney General's Office and local county attorney's offices can file civil actions against violators. The maximum penalty is $750. Courts can also award damages. |
Note: State laws may change at any time through the enactment of new legislation, decisions made at higher courts, and other means. We strive to ensure the accuracy of the information on these pages, but you also may want to contact a Wyoming education law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Getting Legal Help
There may be instances where you feel your or your child's privacy has been violated. In these situations, you have the right to seek legal help. Lawyers can help clarify student privacy and parental rights. Attorneys with experience in education law can provide guidance and representation to protect students' rights. They can also help ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and school district policies. Attorneys can review subpoenas and other court orders. They can provide valuable guidance when exploring your legal options.
Consult a qualified Wyoming education law attorney about your potential case today.
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