This article covers legal considerations for publishing student photos on a school website, including using signed release forms and complying with FERPA and CIPA.
💡Quick answers
- Is a signed release form needed before publishing student photos? Yes, it is best practice to have a signed release form before publishing any photo, schoolwork, or identifying information.
- What is FERPA and how does it relate to school photos? The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a federal statute governing the public release of student information in general.
- What is CIPA and when does it apply? The Children's Internet Protection Act is a federal statute for schools receiving E-Rate funding, applying specifically to internet content about and accessible by students.
- Where can schools find a sample media consent form? A search for media consent form for schools will turn up many examples to reference.
- Should a school's release form be reviewed by legal counsel? Yes, it is advisable to consult an attorney about specific situations and to have the release form reviewed for adequacy.
In general, it is best to have a signed release form when publishing any photo, schoolwork, or identifying information. A search on "media consent form for schools" or similar phrase will turn up many examples.
Following are links to two federal statutes that apply to schools.
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Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA): Federal statutes applying to public release of info in general.
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Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA): Federal statutes for schools receiving E-Rate funding, applying specifically to internet content both about the student and accessible by the student.
It is advisable to consult an attorney for questions about specific situations, and to have your release form reviewed to make sure it is adequate for your intended purposes.
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