Federal Judge Allows Lawsuit Over Liberty U Sharing Student Prayer Data
Federal Judge James C. Dever III allowed the privacy suit against Liberty University to proceed on July 28, 2026.
Why it matters: The case challenges potential violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other federal privacy statutes. Legal professionals should watch how this precedent may affect management of sensitive student data in educational institutions.
- On July 28, 2026, U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III denied Liberty University's motion to dismiss the privacy lawsuit.
- The lawsuit alleges Liberty University shared students' private prayer requests with advertisers without consent.
- The university claimed exemptions under FERPA and asserted student consent, but the judge rejected these defenses.
- The case raises important questions about how sensitive religious data is protected under federal privacy laws in education.
On July 28, 2026, U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III ruled that the lawsuit alleging Liberty University shared students' private prayer requests with third-party advertisers can proceed, rejecting the university's motion to dismiss.Courthouse News reported that the suit claims Liberty University violated federal privacy laws by disclosing sensitive personal information without proper consent.
The plaintiff argues the university breached the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which safeguards educational records, including sensitive student data. Liberty University contended that the data sharing fell outside FERPA coverage and that students had consented, but Judge Dever ruled these defenses insufficient at this early stage.
This lawsuit spotlights critical privacy concerns around educational institutions' handling of religious and other sensitive personal information. It tests how privacy statutes apply when schools share data with third-party advertisers and challenges standard consent mechanisms used by universities.
Unlike common FERPA cases focusing on academic records, this litigation highlights a novel category: personal religious communications relevant to students' spiritual life. Legal practitioners should monitor this case as it may clarify or reshape obligations on universities managing such data.
The university has not made detailed public statements on the lawsuit but plans to contest the allegations in court.
For additional background and ongoing coverage, see the Courthouse News article and the official court docket accessible via PACER.
By the numbers:
- July 28, 2026 — Date judge ruled on motion to dismiss
- $0 — No specific damages amount disclosed yet
- 1 — U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III overseeing the case
Yes, but: The case is in early stages, and the university may still prove it obtained valid consent or qualifies for FERPA exemptions as discovery proceeds.
What's next: The court will soon set a schedule for discovery. Further rulings will clarify legal standards around sensitive student data shared with third parties.