National FOI Day
by Patrice McDermott, American Society of Access Professional Newsletter, Volume 5 Number 2, page 7
National FOI Day commemorates the birthday of James Madison, which occurred on March 16, 1751. This year's celebration was held on Friday, March 14. The theme of the 2003 Conference, sponsored by the Freedom Forum's First Amendment Center in cooperation with the American Library Association, was "FOI: Survival Strategies for an Embattled Right." Participants at the day-long program heard - and joined in - discussion by specialists in various aspects of freedom of information.
During the luncheon program, the American Library Association presented its annual James Madison Award to former Congressman Steve Horn. The award recognizes those individuals or groups that have championed access to government information and the public's right to know. More information about the award and former Congressman Horn as well as a list of previous recipients of this award are available at the American Library Association's Web site.
Following the presentation of the Madison Award, Jack Nelson, a veteran journalist who recently retired from the Los Angeles Times Washington Bureau, gave the keynote address on "Government Secrecy and the Press." A copy of his address is available at the First Amendment Center.
In addition to the presentations and speeches over the course of the day, panelists discussed "The Courts: Are They the Answer?"; "Restrictions and the Champions of Access"; and "Homeland Security and Freedom of Information."
Finally, a number of reports were released at the 2003 Conference. A list of those reports and the web site addresses at which they can be located follow:
A National Security Archive report on the first federal National FOI Day by Patrice McDermott government-wide audit of FOIA compliance showing a mixed impact of the Attorney General's October 2001 memo, which urged federal agencies to be cautious in releasing records.
The latest edition of "Homefront Confidential," a compendium of restrictions on the press and access since September 11, 2001, by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
"Agenda For Secrecy," a Common Cause report examining the involvement of major businesses in getting a provision into the Homeland Security Act that "seriously erodes the public's right to know."
A "First Report" on privacy and access by Fred Cate of Indiana University, commissioned by the First Amendment Center.
Marion Brechner Citizen Access Project report on anti-terrorism legislation passed in more than 20 states. Data for the report can be found at the Citizen Access project Web site; a news article about the project can be found at the UF News Bureau.
Finally, the conference participants also received a series of FOI Updates, written by FOI experts, on issues and developments during the past year at all levels and branches of government.