I have been wondering if all this blank slate about Oprah’s Choice is an unintended effect of that law in the form of some education amendment put forward years ago by former Sen. (and Judge) James Buckley, R-NY (the brother of William F. Buckley), who was defeated by Pat Moynihan in 1976. Maybe that Buckley Amendment was bad policy after all.
Anyone who works at a university in a position that involves contact with student records has to be trained in and swear to uphold the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Mississippi State University (I don't work there) explains FERPA.
Occidental College celebrates Obama's victory
but also warns that they can't say much, because of FERPA.