POSTPONED: Faculty Forum: Target on Y(Our) Back: Suppressing Research throu...

Faculty Forum: Target on Y(Our) Back: Suppressing Research through Freedom of Information Requests

Over 50 years ago, the country established the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to create a government that was accountable, open, and transparent to the people. States created a range of Sunshine Laws to enhance access to state government information and records.

Over the years, journalists, citizens, watchdog groups, civil society, and others have used FOIA and other openness laws to ensure the public’s “right to know” about the workings of governments across the country. More recently, however, Universities and faculty have become targets of industry, government officials, and others seeking to intimidate, suppress speech, and attack research in which faculty engage.

Celebrating Sunshine Week, this faculty forum focuses on FOIA, the use of FOIA/public records requests on the Academy, and public records requirements in the State of Maryland.

Speakers:

• Lucy Dalglish, Dean of the School of Journalism
• Nate Hultman, Associate Professor in Public Policy
• Laura Anderson Wright, Office of General Counsel

Lunch will be provided.

Related Articles:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/05/us/politics/freedom-of-information-requests.html?action=click&module=In%20Other%20News&pgtype=Homepage&action=click&module=&pgtype=Homepage

https://www.thefire.org/foia-request-for-uva-law-prof-records-threatens-academic-freedom/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/03/AR2010050304139.html

https://www.rcfp.org/browse-media-law-resources/news-media-law/news-media-and-law-fall-2011/academic-freedom-and-publics-

This event is open only to faculty, staff, and students at the University of Maryland. If you require special accommodations, please email us or call 301.405.6803.