OU Open Records - Moving Forward

We have received quite a bit of national attention this week regarding our present open records issue. The following email was sent as a response tonight to those who had expressed concern.

Enjoy!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good evening-

I want to take minute to thank everyone who has responded to the current open
records crisis at Ohio University and the commentary that has circulated for the
past week. It is so inspiring to see such outpouring of support from our fellow
journalists, SPJ members and alumni.

I promised an update to those of you who wrote to me or commented on our blog
(ohiouspj.blogspot.com) and I intend on delivering it.

Moving forward, we must maintain a non-confrontation approach at the outset.
The executive board of our chapter agrees that we must first investigate
instances of noncompliance and disregard for the Ohio Open Records Law, then we
must educate not only our administration on the law but also the community on
their rights.

Three years ago, the OU student chapter garnered the National Chapter of the
Year award for a service project that audited all 4-year public universities in
the state of Ohio. Not surprisingly, Ohio University failed, coming in last
place. Attached is a rather lengthy description and report of the findings of
that study.

Over the coming months, OU SPJ will be revisiting the Ohio University part of
that audit. Our intent is to recreate and improve upon the research done by
those students in 2005-2006 and compare our results. This will actively involve
our membership and engage them in practices associated with open records
requests - in essence, the ultimate learning experience.

We are also beginning to conduct exhaustive research on local media's past
dealings with the Board of Trustees. Without the proper background knowledge,
we cannot execute an effective educational campaign and pinpoint areas that need
covered. It is our sincere hope that the local media will help us in this
endeavor - journalists working for journalists, the integral part of SPJ for the
past 100 years.

Many of you have asked how you can aid us in our efforts and for that we are
eternally grateful. Again, the outpouring of support has been inspirational and
motivational.

Tonight, the Ohio University student chapter of the Society of Professional
Journalists is issuing a proverbial call to arms.

Journalists are armed with the strongest of weapons - the pen. And it is with
this device that we request the assistance of those who feel so compelled to
speak out on this issue.

Write. Write about this situation. Write to newspapers in Athens, OH (their
contact information follows) and write to other concerned journalists - spread
the word and help us gather support for the cause. Strength lies in numbers and
we must show the board and the administration that this issue will not be
ignored or shrugged off, especially by our alumni.

I encourage you to contact me with any questions or advice you may have - we are
still just beginning to determine our ultimate course of action and want to hear
from YOU. Professional advice and support will continue to guide our moves
through the next several months as we attempt to educate and reverse the culture
that has developed on our beautiful Athens campus.

Thank you for your time and support again! I look forward to hearing from you.

IMPORTANT INFO:

Letters to the Editor
The Post (OU student paper) - posteditorial@ohiou.edu
Athens NEWS - news@athensnews.com
Athens Messenger - address to Ann Kamody - akamody@athensmessenger.com

OU Board of Trustees
trustees@ohio.edu

Read More at the OU SPJ Blog!
ohiouspj.blogspot.com

Help us "Let the Sunshine In" at Ohio University and in Athens!

Thanks again!

Evan Millward
President, Ohio University Society of Professional Journalists