The following groups were originally opposed to FERPA:
School principals and college student political groups
State and local police departments
School counselors and university administrators
Students in colleges located in the western United States
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is: School counselors and university administrators.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), enacted in 1974, was designed to protect the privacy of student education records. While its intentions were to safeguard student information, certain groups expressed reservations about its implementation.
Concerns of School Counselors and University Administrators:
School counselors and university administrators were among those who initially opposed FERPA. Their primary concern centered around the restrictions FERPA imposed on sharing student information. They feared that these limitations could hinder their ability to provide effective support and guidance to students. For instance, if a student was facing academic or personal challenges, counselors and administrators believed that the inability to share pertinent information with other departments or external agencies could impede timely and comprehensive intervention. Additionally, they were concerned about the administrative burden of ensuring compliance with FERPA’s stringent regulations.
Other Groups and Their Positions:
- School Principals and College Student Political Groups: While school principals might have had concerns similar to those of counselors and administrators regarding information sharing, there is limited historical evidence to suggest that college student political groups were notably opposed to FERPA.
- State and Local Police Departments: Law enforcement agencies were concerned that FERPA would limit their access to student records necessary for investigations. They feared that the act would create barriers to obtaining information crucial for ensuring school and community safety.
- Students in Colleges Located in the Western United States: There is no substantial evidence indicating that students from a specific geographic region, such as the western United States, collectively opposed FERPA.
In summary, while FERPA was established with the noble goal of protecting student privacy, its introduction was met with opposition from school counselors and university administrators who were concerned about the potential challenges it posed to student support services and administrative operations.
