What consequence might arise from releasing student educational records to outside services without parental permission?

Releasing student educational records to outside services without parental permission can lead to significant legal implications, including potential lawsuits from parents. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student education records, which stipulates that parents or eligible students must provide consent before their records can be disclosed. Violating this law not only breaches ethical standards but can also result in parents taking legal action against the school or the individuals involved. This kind of lawsuit could stem from concerns about privacy violations, misuse of information, or a general breach of trust.

While the other choices touch on possible consequences, the risk of lawsuits from parents is particularly pertinent, given the legal framework governing student records. The frustration and loss of trust that could emerge from unauthorized information sharing often result in parents seeking remedies through the judicial system, thus making the legal ramifications a critical aspect to consider in handling student records.