As the prevalence of student data collection in educational institutions increases, the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act’s use is once again in question. And while the proposed changes may not further restrict journalists’ access records, they also don’t alleviate any challenges.
Author: Beatriz Costa-Lima
As school officials work to counter cyberbullying, state lawmakers ensure student off-campus privacy isn’t trampled
While school officials often say such searches are necessary to combat cyberbullying and other illegal activity, several lawmakers and free speech advocates argue efforts to regulate off-campus speech are an invasion of students’ privacy.
Senators make changes to amendment after journalism advocates voice concerns with previous draft
Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate Wednesday will not aim to redefine what records schools can withhold under federal student privacy law, an issue that worried journalism and open-government advocates when an earlier version of the bill was released.
New York Times resubmits request for public records on University of Oregon sexual misconduct case after previous records were heavily redacted
A local prosecutor has declined an appeal from The New York Times seeking to compel the University of Oregon to turn over complete public records about a sexual misconduct investigation involving three UO men’s basketball players, prompting the newspaper to submit a new request.
Seattle adviser removed from position believes decision was in retaliation for students' investigative work
An adviser was removed from her position last month at Seattle Central College in what she believes is a retaliatory response from administrators to investigative work published by the student-run magazine.
New York cyberbullying law violates First Amendment, state appeals court says
The New York State Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that a law criminalizing cyberbullying violated the First Amendment because it was so overbroad, it could criminalize constitutionally protected speech.
New Jersey adviser removed from position as principal recommends cutting journalism class entirely
Students at a New Jersey high school may return to school next fall to find their journalism classes no longer exists after the school's principal did not recommend the renewal of the journalism and advanced journalism courses for the fall semester.
Oregon school district settles lawsuit over dance team's controversial social media policy
In a settlement reached earlier this week, an Oregon school has apologized for a policy that restricted what student dance team members and their families could post on social media.
Yearbook vandalism cases abound as yearbook distribution season continues
Multiple cases of yearbook pranks are in the news this month as students around the cou...
Censored yearbook quotes raised questions of prior review at Tucson high school
School officials at a Tucson high school censored nearly 10 quotes in the yearbook with black stickers before distributing to students.