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Frank LoMonte Comments on Roadblocks to Record Request Access

Frank LoMonte, director of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information was quoted in “FOI Flip: Agencies Sting Record Requesters, Especially Students, Through Reverse FOIAs” published in The FOI Files Third Quarter 2017 edition.

Frank LoMonte
Frank LoMonte

In the article, LoMonte comments on the trend among state and local agencies as well as universities to chill record requests through “reverse FOIAs.” A “reverse FOIA” can delay receipt of the requested records and some entities are filing lawsuits to interfere with the process.

“It’s especially frightening for a student publication or freelancer without deep pockets,” LoMonte said. “You can see where this kind of in-your-face litigation tactic could be used to bankrupt a freelance journalist or struggling student publication.”

Posted: October 31, 2017
Category: Uncategorized
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