Education Department investigates Tufts over student data, elections

February 8, 2026 - 04:53

The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into Tufts University following serious allegations regarding its handling of confidential student information. The inquiry focuses on the university's participation in the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE).

According to the allegations under review, the NSLVE program at Tufts may have improperly shared detailed student voting data with external parties. The core concern is whether this sensitive information was used in a manner intended to influence electoral outcomes, potentially violating federal student privacy laws.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) strictly protects student records, and any unauthorized disclosure for political purposes would represent a significant breach. The Department's investigation will seek to determine the exact nature of the data shared, the recipients of that information, and the purposes for which it was ultimately used.

University officials have acknowledged the federal investigation and stated they are cooperating fully with the review. The outcome of this probe could have substantial implications for how colleges and universities nationwide participate in similar research initiatives involving student voter information, balancing academic study with stringent privacy obligations.