HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
UNDER THE 
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS 
AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations state that
complaints alleging that a school has violated the provisions of FERPA must
be submitted in writing to:

FAMILY POLICY COMPLIANCE OFFICE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
400 MARYLAND AVENUE, S.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202-4605

There is no standard format for preparing a letter or complaint. However, in
preparing the letter, a complaint should include as much detail and evidence
as possible to support the allegations, such as copies of letters, memoranda
of telephone conversations or conferences, pertinent statements from other
individuals, and sufficiently detailed, but consise and specific,
descriptions of events. At a minimum the letter should provide the following:

        The exact name of the school and school district.

        The correct address.

        The name, title, and telephone number of the chief officer
        (Principal, Chancellor, President, or other title).

        The names of the students who are subjects of the complaint.

        The names and titles of the school officials with whom the
        complaintant has dealt.
           
        The complaintant's name, complete address and daytime
        telephone number.

        The pertinent dates and circumstances surrounding the school's
        denial of or violation of the complaintant's rights. If the
        complaint concerns a school's denial of the right to inspect
        and review the educational records, the date of the request for
        access should be included. Under FERPA, a school has 45
        days in which to respond to such a request.

        Any other relevant documents or information that will assist the
        office in investigating the complaint.

Courtesy of Fathers United for Equal Rights of Maryland, Ltd