Think of all the information schools have on us. There’s a student’s full name, address, and identifying information. Then there’s information on a parent or guardian’s contact information or emergency contact. Not to mention academic and disciplinary records including everything from grades and test scores to detentions and counseling sessions. Students participating in federal or state subsidized programs, such as school lunches or other financial assistance, may have submitted income information in an application. The truth is that teachers, administrators, schools, and districts know a lot about their students and maintain that information in their records for official purposes.
Safeguarding that data from prying eyes and nosy neighbors is important to most people and the reason behind state school records privacy laws. There’s also the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) operating in this area. Here’s a quick summary of how Wyoming law protects school information.
Wyoming School Records Privacy Laws
A student’s school records are private. While Wyoming state law normally opens up public records to the public for inspection, school records are expressly exempted from this open access policy. Information about a student’s biography, family, physiology, religion, academic achievement, and physical or mental ability cannot be publicly disclosed even if requested. Only a student, his or her parent or legal representative, and school board and school officials can receive access to these records.
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 a $750. Courts can also award damages.
| Code Section | 16-4-203(d). |
| Who Has Access to School Records? | The student or his or her parents or legal guardian and school officials. |
| Penalty | Wyoming Attorney General’s Office or local county attorney’s office can bring a civil action against anyone violating Wyoming's privacy records laws. The maximum penalty is $750 and courts can award damages. |
Related Resources for Privacy of School Records Laws
Privacy in the schoolhouse is a major legal concern. You can find more information about school privacy and invasion of privacy laws here at FindLaw. For specific questions about a particular case, consider contacting a local education lawyer for advice and assistance.
