REEXAMINING STUDENT PRIVACY LAWS IN RESPONSE TO THE VIRGINIA TECH TRAGEDY.

The article examines the balance between safety and privacy in the U.S. Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in response to the Virginia Tech tragedy wherein student Seung Hui Cho killed 32 students and professors on April 16, 2007. It discusses the mental health and warning signs of Cho that were not addressed by his professors and resident advisors due to privacy laws and communication gaps. It explores the provisions of FERPA and permitted disclosures. It suggests modifications to FERPA to encourage communication and prevent such events.