Does FERPA include discussing food allergies?

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Mrs D

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My daughter is in first grade. She has a severe allergy to peanuts. We have requested that her teacher/nurse read the children a book about an elephant with a peanut allergy and institute the PAL program from FAAN. They refuse to tell our daughter's classmates about her allergy on the grounds that they cannot because of FERPA. They said that our consent is not enough, that telling the kids is "infringing on our daughters right to privacy". They also refuse to tell the other parents. They have offered to have a general discussion on peanut allergies with the students, but we do not feel it is adequate. When a child has a personal relationship with the person, they take a more active (and compassionate) role. We do not believe FERPA is an issue. If I am not mistaken, FERPA is for a student's academic records. As for the parents, they should be allowed to know so that they will be careful when sending in treats. We are not asking the other children not bring PB&J to school or anything silly like that. We just want her classroom to be a safe environment and for her to be surrounded by people who understand her illness and want to keep her safe. Seems easy enough. HA
 
FERPA does not apply to students in First Grade. It was intended to shield college student records( or HS students 18 or older) from their family members or parents. It applies to Academic records and only institutions who are funded by the US Department of Education are bound by it.

The fact that someone has a food allergy is not confidential.

There is no right of a first grader that a parent can't waive.

If I had a child with a food allergy, knowing how bureaucrats are of liability, I would write them a letter expressing concern that their failure to raise awareness about food allergies might endanger the well being.
 
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