Student Records...released?

We have been talking in class about admissions...including the criteria of acceptance; weight of other factors outside GPA and Standardized Tests.

The Chicago Tribune has been very interested in the University of Illinois since the admissions trouble a year ago which they brought forward, and they are currently fighting in court to have student records released, but there are privacy issues (especially with Financial Aid). Recently, a judge ruled that Ferpa doesn't prohibit U of I from releasing student records (you can read more about Ferpa in the article), and the Chicago Tribune has an article stating their victory in the privacy ruling.

This is a topic that has a lot of gray area I believe. While in some cases it is important for the University to have accountability, especially since they are a state institution (lack of funding by the state is another issue), and having other 'agencies' watch over admissions and other issues helps since they may be able to spot problematic trends...I feel like sometimes they can forget about the students and their privacy. If there is an issue with affirmative action, is it fair to call out the student and publish their GPA/Test Scores? Now is it different if it is a student that came to the University because of the Clout issue? How do you protect the student? In most cases, is the student innocent and this issue should be handled in private? But, how do we monitor this issue? I think it is a very hard topic to discuss since each case is different.

Recently, there has been another clout issue at the U of I (I mentioned it in class). This had to do with a student attempting to transfer into a dual-degree program. There are many problems with this situation as I see, not just the University at fault...
First, I am not sure why the parents of this student would turn to their legislator for this issue, unless they felt that there was some sort of issue with how the University made a decision (and obviously we do not have all the information). Maybe the admissions scandal was on their mind and thought this may have played a part in the denial.
Second, the Senator should have instructed the parents to speak with the admissions department. Legislators are NOT suppose to weigh in on admissions at the University.
Third, the GR office should not have been involved...BUT, in many cases your office support staff that may just be following up, not knowing the repercussions or legal restrictions. They see that a Senator is requesting information, and they follow up.

I believe everyone needs to have accountability when it comes to these issues. Those making admissions decisions should really consider the ripple effect they are causing, and cases should be taken seriously. Legislators and those in 'power' should stay out of admissions issues unless there is a clear problem and they need to intervene.