University rights to call parents affirmed

By Bonnie Pfister

"New federal guidelines developed after the Virginia Tech massacre would allow universities to contact parents if administrators think a student could harm himself or others."

"The clarification of the 1974 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, allows administrators to disclose a student's education records to third parties, including parents, if 'there is an articulable and significant threat to the health or safety of the student or other individuals...'"

"When the rule changes were announced last month, then-Education Secretary Margaret Spellings said they balanced student privacy with school safety. Parents often are in the best position to help children during these crises, an education department statement said..."

Full article available at http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_608605....