A new study led by the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project indicates widening disparity of Americans acquiring government information through public record laws.

The study, published this month in News Research Journal, shows that the most active users of public record laws are much more likely to be affluent, educated, older, white, non-Hispanic, male and liberal – dominated by lawyers and others with the means and knowledge to navigate a system that leaves most Americans in the dark. 

“The document divide: Public record requester demographics, efficacy and those left behind” was authored by David Cuillier, director of the Brechner FOI Project, and A.Jay Wagner, an associate professor from Marquette University. 

The study was based on a 2021-22 survey of 330 Americans who have submitted public records to local, state or federal government agencies. The results show a stark difference between the requester community and rest of America, including: 

• 62% male, compared to 50% nationwide
• 88% white, compared to 73% nationwide
• 88% with a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 25% nationwide
• 60% politically liberal, compared to 25% nationwide

Further, the survey found that white requesters had a higher trust in the system than non-whites, and Black requesters expressed the least trust. In addition, rich, educated male requesters were more likely to sue the government for public records. 

“This shows what we’ve noticed anecdotally for years: That the system is rigged against Americans who could benefit the most from accurate information,” Cuillier said. “You shouldn’t need a law degree or hefty bank account to find out what your government is up to.” 

The authors recommended government make the system more understandable for average people, that schools teach public records acquisition in civics classes, and civil society groups provide more education and training for specific populations. 

“More efforts should be made to educate conservative citizens of their rights, particularly those in rural communities who may lack resources to acquire public records,” the authors wrote. 

The study followed previous research published by the authors that indicate that average Americans are more likely to be denied public records as compared to lawyers and corporations. Another study found that average Americans are more likely to give up on their records requests because of high copy fees. 

“Freedom of information should be freedom for all,” Cuillier said. “It’s time to reset the scales and help everyone acquire the information they can use to improve their government, communities, and personal lives.” 

Posted: July 31, 2025
Category: Brechner News
Tagged as: Brechner FOI Project, Brechner Freedom of Information Project, FOI, FOIA, Journal of Civic Information, open records laws, public records, Secrecy Tracker