Op here. This is a college course, and usually the private info was part of a request for an extension or accommodation.
I have worked for many years and this was the first time this had ever happened to my knowledge so it caught me off guard. I certainly never thought it was illegal, just I guess didn't actually ever picture someone reading through my emails!
Anonymous
11/25/2013 18:09
Subject: Boss and Email
FERPA only applies if the child is 18 and the institution is receiving federal funding for programs sanctioned by the U.S. Dept. of Education. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FERPA
Anonymous
11/25/2013 16:07
Subject: Boss and Email
You should not have any expectation of privacy as it pertains to work email...