Brechner News

A leading journalism scholar from Cameroon, Africa, will spend the next nine months at the University of Florida developing laws to foster democracy in his home country.

People seeking government information to make their communities better face frustrations and obstacles because of high copy fees, according to a new study “To Fee or Not to Fee: Requester Attitude Toward Freedom of Information Charges, co-authored by David Cuillier, director of the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida.

The Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information (FOI) Project at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications partnered with the Student Press Law Center to launch the 2023 Student Freedom of Information (FOI) Awards. The two inaugural recipients in the college and high school divisions received cash awards of $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.

David Cuillier, director of the  Brechner Freedom of Information Project, is quoted in “Curious Commonwealth Asks: Are Virginia Open Records Laws Weaker Than Other States?” published on the website for Virginia Public Media on Oct. 25.

David Cuillier, director of the  Brechner Freedom of Information Project, is quoted in “Access to Public Records is ‘Deteriorating Terribly’” published on route-fifty.com on Oct. 31.

“Governing in the public eye is challenging – and ‘messier.’ But that’s what they are paid to do – make the tough decisions, be open about it, and take the heat!” said David Cuillier, director of the  Brechner Freedom of Information Project.

David Cuillier, director of the Brechner Freedom of Information Project, was on two panels at the 2023 National Freedom of Information Coalition summit.

Federal FOIA logs, or detailed spreadsheets and databases showing what has been requested, released or denied, are valuable tools.

Excessive copy fees are one of the most common barriers people have in accessing their government. Sometimes agencies use fees to force a requester to narrow the requested information.

Given the significance of the upcoming trials of former President Trump, the rules should be changed quickly to make sure the public has a firsthand view. It would require an act of Congress and a rule change by the Judicial Conference.

ProPublica reporter Brett Murphy is the winner of the 2023 Brechner Center Freedom of Information Award for “Words of Conviction,” his investigation into the use of a technique used by police and prosecutors to treat people who called 911 for help as criminals themselves. On April 10, 2023, we sat…

ProPublica reporter Brett Murphy is the winner of the 2023 Brechner Freedom of Information Award for “Words of Conviction,” his investigation into the use of a technique used by police and prosecutors to treat people who called 911 for help as criminals themselves.