A recent survey by the Faculty Senate at Western Washington University found that a subset of faculty members has experienced harassment related to their areas of research – but little harassment through public records requests. Of the 202 faculty who responded, about 25% reported being targeted, particularly for work focused on immigration, LGBTQ issues, climate change, and Israel-Palestine. 

Most harassment came through email, followed by social media. Six respondents cited phone calls while five faculty members noted that they had in-person encounters. Four respondents said that public records requests were used as the method of harassment. 

Some scientists have lamented harassment through public record laws, leading to proposed public records exemptions for university research.  
 

”Yes, some bad actors have weaponized public record laws, and in some cases people just want to find out how research is funded, which is their right, but this survey showed that it is not a widespread problem that requires secrecy legislation,” said Brechner FOI Project Director David Cuillier (a Western Washington alum). “The public benefit of transparency at public universities outweighs the discomfort of annoying requests. When in doubt, the tie goes to the public.” 

Posted: May 1, 2025
Category: Brechner News
Tagged as: Brechner FOI Project, FOI, open records laws