Brechner News

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…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, offers a “pro” position on the First Amendment and conspiracy theories in “Conspiracy Theories” published in CQ Researcher. LoMonte states that the numbing bombardment of hateful speech polluting our public discourse understandably tempts…

Private employers of all kinds, including universities, commonly forbid their employees from discussing work-related matters with journalists without prior approval. But a new analysis by Brechner Center researchers finds that broadly worded workplace “gag orders” are likely invalid and unenforceable under federal labor law. In an article for The Journal…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, is the author “How Communities Can Increase Civic Engagement by Protecting Their Student Journalists’ Rights to Express Themselves” published in the Brown University Journal, “Reimagining a 21st Century Democracy,” Volume 1, 2018. In the…

Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director,  is the author of “Mitch Daniels’ Dystopian Nightmare” published in Medium on Aug. 15.​ LoMonte responded to an Aug. 13 Washington Post opinion column written by Purdue University President Mitch Daniels. In the…