BFC considers resolution to push for open records

A resolution that was introduced Tuesday at the Bloomington Faculty Council meeting urged President Myles Brand and the IU administration to stop fighting the lawsuits brought against the University by The Indianapolis Star.\nThe proposal specifically endorses open access to public records and the insurance that "no further University funds are expended in support of efforts to prevent the release of public documents." \nVictor Viola, the sponsor of the resolution, said the faculty needs to send a stern message to the administration. \n"I feel strongly that this incident has damaged the University, and the sooner we get it behind us, the better," he said. "It would be in the faculty's best interest to pass this." \nIn a lawsuit brought by The Indianapolis Star, the Star contends that IU violated Public Records laws by refusing to release documents related to the firing of Bob Knight. IU has already spent $210,000 to defend itself in the resulting litigation. \n"The principle defended by the University of not releasing documents and going to an extent to not release these documents gives the impression of a coverup and makes everything worse," Viola said.\nThe proposal was not voted on at the meeting. Most of the members of the Faculty Committee said they would need more detailed information on the proposal's legal ramifications before they could take an official stance. The uncertainties of the proposal, members said, rest on the Public Records Access Act and the effect the ultimate outcome would have on third parties, such as students. \n"We felt we needed more information to make a responsible decision," said Bob Eno, the agenda committee president. "This is on faculty members' minds, and I think they'll appreciate that the FC is pursuing it."\nInviting the University's legal counsel to the next meeting to discuss the lawsuits was suggested. There was also talk of consulting an independent lawyer, although how the committee would pay for that lawyer was not clear. \nAnn Gellis, a member of the agenda committee, requested more information before she could pass the faculty's resolution condemning the administration. She was concerned that if the University did release the Knight file, a precedent might be set that makes all personnel files public record. \n"What really is the effect of the resolution?" she asked the members of the BFC. "What effect would it have on the opening of other personnel files? It is quite possible that this would make every personnel file open."\n The proposal underscored a rift between the administration and the faculty over The Star lawsuits. In its objection to the University's actions, the proposal states, "The Bloomington Faculty Council supports the principle of open access to public records as a fundamental responsibility of a state institution." \n The next meeting of the council will take place Feb. 19.