One at One: Student Records & OPRA

Today’s Issue by Lena Kim:

Can a student of a public institution of higher education request his or her own student records under the Open Public Records Act, N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1, et seq.?

Answer:

Yes. In its recent decision, Doe v. Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 2021 WL 100236 (App. Div. January 12, 2021), the Appellate Division held that a student of a public institution of higher education may access his or her own higher education records, including academic transcripts, disciplinary records, and financial records, through OPRA. Prior to disclosure, however, the records must be redacted to remove any and all identifiable references to other students.

Resources:

N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1

Doe v. Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 2021 WL 100236 (App. Div. January 12, 2021)

To Learn More about FPSCTT’s Education and School Law Practice, please contact:

Lester Taylor, Partner and Chair

Christine Soto, Partner and Co-Chair

Afshan Ajmiri Giner, Partner and Co-Chair

Caitlin Pletcher, Partner

This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.