I've just sent the following letter to the University of Mississippi, based on text suggested by the Mississippi Center for Freedom of Information. Ole Miss got $5 million in Freedom Forum grants since 2001 to establish a journalism center, the foundation's public IRS reports show. The center does not honor Gannett -- the source of Freedom Forum's original $650 million in seed capital -- or even the foundation itself. Instead, it is named for Freedom Forum Chairman and CEO Charles Overby. He is an Ole Miss graduate, and a member of its fundraising arm's board of directors.Jan. 9, 2009
L. Lee Tyner
University Attorney
University of Mississippi
University, Miss.
Via e-mail
Mr. Tyner:
Pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983, Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq. (Supp. 1996), I request the right to inspect and copy all public documents concerning Freedom Forum and its chairman and chief executive officer, Charles Overby.
Because this information is intended for dissemination to the general public, I request that you waive any costs or fees that otherwise might be charged. If you assess any charges related to this records request, I agree to pay your actual cost incurred in searching and duplicating these public records, up to an amount not to exceed $25. If you anticipate costs in excess of that amount, please contact me before proceeding with this records request.
Where exemptions to the Public Records Act are discretionary, I ask you not to withhold such records, even if they might qualify for withholding under the law. If you withhold any records as exempt, please redact the exempted portions and release the remainder of the records, as required by § 25-61-9(2) of the Public Records Act. In any case where you withhold public records, please explain in writing any such denial, as required by the Records Act.
If you have any questions regarding my request, I would appreciate your communicating with me by telephone rather than by mail. I look forward to your reply as soon as is practicable, but in no case more than 14 working days from today, as required by the Act.
Jim Hopkins
Editor
Gannett Blog
584 Castro St., #823
San Francisco, CA 94114-2594
Why don"t you also ask under the USA, F.O.I. laws? If they are receiving ANY kind of federal funds, they could risk losing then, if they fail with the request? Just one more question Jim, 'IF THEY DON'T GIVE YOU WHAT YOU SEEK, THEN WILL YOU GO TO COURT"
ReplyDeleteGood idea, rmichem. You suggested that once before, in connection with Western Carolina University. I wish I had remembered.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Jim. Sounds like it'll be a good expedition into the records on this one.
ReplyDeleteYou are hitting 1000 with these disclosures. Keep it up. This is really hot stuff that I never thought I would hear about the GF and the FF.
ReplyDeleteGo get 'em, tiger.
ReplyDeleteWil