Education Department, DOJ target Md., Mich. schools over alleged FERPA violations

July 27, 2026 - 21:53

The U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Justice have taken formal action against school systems in Maryland and Michigan, citing potential violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Federal investigators determined that policies and practices in these districts may have improperly restricted parents from accessing their children's educational records.

FERPA, a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records, also grants parents specific rights to inspect and review those records. The complaints focus on instances where school officials allegedly denied or delayed parental requests to see documents, including behavioral reports and disciplinary files.

Officials from both agencies sent letters to the districts, warning that continued noncompliance could lead to a loss of federal funding or legal proceedings. The Education Department emphasized that parental access is not optional and that schools must provide records within a reasonable timeframe.

The Maryland district, located in Montgomery County, and the Michigan district, in Ann Arbor, have been given a set period to revise their policies. Both districts have stated they are reviewing the federal findings and plan to cooperate. The case highlights a broader federal push to enforce transparency between schools and families.