March 29, 2024

U of Iowa shares student records with law agencies

IOWA CITY (AP) — The University of Iowa has been sharing information with local law enforcement about students who apply for gun permits.

The Des Moines Register reported the information normally is kept confidential in keeping with the federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.

Mark Braun is chief of staff for university President Sally Mason, and he said that in some cases information on failing grades may be included or information about depression or anger issues.

A university lawyer said forms signed by gun permit applicants at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office lets the university share that information with the Sheriff’s Office.

The U.S. Department of Education said the waiver of the federal rules must specify which records will be disclosed, but the Johnson County form doesn’t mention school- or education-related records.