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Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation putting into place additional protections for students and expanding anti-tampering laws to prohibit unlawful alteration of any official student record in any primary, intermediate, high school or college in the state.
"These records can set the course for a student's entire future and New York must make every effort to protect their integrity and privacy," Cuomo said. "With this law, we are ensuring protections under the law keep pace with our evolving education system and authorities have the tools they need to protect New Yorkers."
The prior law prohibited the unlawful altering of grades, credits and awards on a student's record. However, other records that are now commonplace -- including test results, disciplinary proceedings, and disability determinations -- are not covered. This bill, (S.5273-A/A. 2093-B), makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly alter any official student record. Additionally, those certified or licensed by the state Education Department who are found to be in violation of this new law would be subject to further disciplinary action.