This is a sample letter used to file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office when your child's school doesn't comply with FERPA. Examples of non-compliance with FERPA include refusal to provide access to school records, providing incomplete school records, or refusal to recognize your rights as a parent. Modify the letter to fit your circumstances if necessary, then mail it 'Certified' with 'Return Receipt Requested' to the address shown at the bottom of this page. Send a copy to your attorney and make sure you keep a copy for your records as well.

COMPLAINT UNDER THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)
(Date) 

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue. S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605 

RE: School In Violation of FERPA 

I hereby lodge an official complaint against the School District of _____________ on behalf of (student's name) who attends (name of school) for what I believe to be: 

[ ] Inappropriate maintenance of records/content 
[ ] A violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. 

The nature of the complaint is as checked: 

[ ] Challenge to Record or Content 
____ Inaccurate
____ Misleading
____ Incomplete
____ Inappropriate

Record challenged may be identified as: 

Title: ____________________________
Date: _____________________________
Person responsible for Entry or person currently maintaining record: _____________________
Date challenged content discovered: ___________

[ ] Alleged Violations of Act or Regulations 
____ Failure to provide notification of all rights (totally or in needed language)
____ Failure to publish local access and hearing procedures
____ Inappropriate person(s) grant denied access
____ Failure to provide interpretation assistance as requested
____ Failure to provide requested hearing
____ Failure to provide uninvolved hearing officer
____ Failure of hearing officer to provide written opinion within reasonable time
____ Inappropriate sharing of confidential information 
____ Other: _______________________________________________ 
Date of Violation: ___________________
Date Violation Discovered if different from above: ________________ 

Other Relevant Information:
(Use this section to add any additional explanatory comments)
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________ 

Yours Truly, 

 (Signature) 
(Parent Name)
(Address)
(Phone number)

Print it out, fill it out, then mail it (certified, with Return Receipt Requested) to the following address: 

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue. S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605