Michigan Supreme Court splits on whether records held by university library are public

The Michigan Supreme Court deadlocked April 9, 2021, on whether records possessed by a University of Michigan library are considered public, The Detroit News reported. The 3-3 ruling allows an immigration lawyer to move forward with a public records request for documents donated to the university by an anti-immigration activist. In 2010, Dr. John Tanton […]

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Appeals court rules for U-M in open meetings lawsuit

The Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld the University of Michigan's practice of holding some of its board meetings behind closed doors.

The ruling upheld a lower court's ruling in a lawsuit filed by the Detroit Free Press.

"The Constitution permits defendant to hold informal meetings in private; defendant is only required to hold its formal meetings in public," the ruling said. Continue…

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Michigan: University plans release of course evaluation data

Engineering Prof. James Holloway, the vice provost for Global and Engaged Education, said Monday the University could implement plans to release course evaluation data as early as this semester.

Holloway’s announcement at Monday’s Senate Assembly Committee on University Affairs’ meeting came as a surprise to many of the committee’s members.  Continue>>>

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Why does the University of Michigan insist on secrecy? (guest column)

Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act guarantees “all persons, except those persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities … full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees.”

But the way the University of Michigan handles requests for such information flies in the face of this spirit of transparency and erects nearly impenetrable roadblocks for investigative journalists and concerned citizens alike.

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