Brechner News

Journalism published or broadcast during 2018 that highlights the importance of open government in advancing the public’s right to know is eligible for a $3,000 cash prize offered through the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information at the University of Florida. The Brechner award recognizes excellence in explanatory and investigative…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, is the author of “Private Employers: You Can’t Forbid Your Workers from Talking to Journalists” published on Poynter.org on Jan. 14. In the article, LoMonte states that many employees believe they forfeit their…

In a newly published white paper, lawyers with the University of Florida’s Brechner Center for Freedom of Information explain that federal labor law forbids private-sector employers from barring their employees from speaking to the news media without supervisory approval. The First Amendment does not apply to decisions made by private…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, is the author of the opinion column “UMD Owes Public Transparent Presidential Search” published in The Baltimore Sun on Jan. 10. According to LoMonte, higher education has never been more mismanaged and more…

Researchers working in the field of accessibility of public information are encouraged to submit paper proposals for presentation at the upcoming National Freedom of Information Coalition summit, taking place April 12-13, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. The top three papers will earn cash prizes and the best paper will be guaranteed…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, was mentioned in “Portland Police Chief Calls Sluggish Public Record ‘Huge Issue’ That Must Be Fixed” published in The Oregonian on Dec. 14. The article focuses on the delay in fulfilling public records…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, was quoted in “Privacy Law Jeopardizes Student Safety and Facilitates School Cover-Ups” published in the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Dec. 9. The editorial focuses on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act…

A surveillance video that captured an altercation between a high-school student and an adult volunteer is a public record that must be turned over to journalists, a Pennsylvania appeals court ruled Monday, turning aside the school district’s claim that federal privacy law required keeping the footage confidential. In a 3-0…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, was quoted in “Can Public Officials Block Users on Facebook? This Texas Case Could Help Answer That” published in The Texas Tribune on Dec. 6. The article features Deanna Robinson’s free speech case…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, is quoted in “University of Arizona Spends $1.4 Million on Legal Bills Related to FBI Basketball Investigation” published in The Arizona Republic on Nov. 29. The article focuses on the University of Arizona’s use…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, was quoted in “University of Northern Colorado Won’t Release Records Related to Suspended Fraternity” published in the Greeley (Colo.) Tribune on Nov. 7. The article focuses on the University of Northern Colorado’s refusal…

“Saving Student Newsrooms,” a resolution for support proposed by Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, was approved at the annual Excellence in Journalism 2018 conference from Sept. 27-29 in Baltimore. Excellence in Journalism, a joint effort between the Society…