IU should release files

IU has spent too much time and money holding Bob Knight's personnel documents. The University should not be able to hold them for confidentiality.\nThe Indianapolis Star filed a lawsuit in October 2000 seeking access to Knight's personnel file, claiming IU, as a state government institution, violated Indiana's Access to Public Records Act. \nThe First Amendment of the Constitution says Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech or of the press. IU is a public university and receives public funding. This fact makes the University accountable for its actions. By not releasing the personnel documents, IU is not acting responsibly.\nIn a similar case, parents filed for the personnel records of a former Vigo county junior high school principal in a 1994 case after he was demoted following an investigation. The judge ruled the parents had the right to the files, and they were given the documents.\nThe Star lawsuit has cost the University $209,127.91. IU spokesman Bill Stephan said the money comes from a litigation fund consisting of fees from various University departments and there is no concern the fund will run out.\nWhat's puzzling is why there is no concern for this fund when there is a concern with state spending for higher education. University fees are constantly increasing, and the University is spending taxpayer's money to protect something that should be public record.\nKnight's firing has cost nearly $650,000. IU President Myles Brand and Athletics Director Michael McNeely's salaries add up to $548,700, which means with funds absorbed by the lawsuit, we could have paid the salaries of two top administrators.\nNot only is the University fighting for a cause that should be deemed unconstitutional, it is spending taxpayer dollars to protect these records. Gojko Kasich, lead attorney in the alumni lawsuit, said IU is not bound by law to release information concerning the terms of Knight's employment. But Knight himself has stated that he would like more information on what lead to his firing in September 2000. \nBrand said he fired Knight because he violated the "zero tolerance" policy instituted for Knight's demeanor. It is difficult for the public to determine whether Knight's firing was appropriate because the public does not have the access to the personnel file. It is the public's right to have access to information in a state-funded university.\nIf there is nothing to hide in the personnel file, the University is wasting money and time in defending an unjust cause. IU is defending a principle for no reason and doing it at the public's expense.\nStaff vote: 7 - 2- 0\nyes - no - abstain