I’m curious about whether or not I can apply for a public information request to find out about grievances or ethics investigations into professors. FERPA should require to redact the names of victims/students, but will I be able to look into any completed pending investigations and the grievances made? Or do I have to find another way?
Have no experience here but I would imagine anything to do with students is probably not public.
Well, literally ask! They can only say no. Maybe to them.
There are some requirements under the Cleary Act for what all American universities have to disclose regarding actual campus crime - typically a police blotter, an annual crime report, etc.
If you’re at a public university, try a FOIA for anything like “investigative reports for closed student non-academic misconduct cases in 2025” or something.
I suggest “matter of public record” implies it’s open for examination without a request — think court records. That distinction made, I would think professors’ student ratings would be public. But, especially if the “management” doesn’t want to cooperate, they will hide behind the “personnel” exemption. They might also seek an Attorney General ruling, which would take longer than, I bet, you’d want to wait.
I’ve been retired for 11 years, so it’s been a while since I’ve done this. I suggest you get on the AG website and look through the opinions. They’re listed and you might find a ruling that fits your situation. And, if a prior ruling supports your "ask," I’d mention it in your request letter. It will show you've done your homework and could be a nice intimidation. If there’s no joy, you’ll have to deal with jumping through the hoops.
The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is a super resource (https://foift.org/) and it has a Facebook page. Let us know how this works out for you.