Commentary by The Morning News of Northwest Arkansas
Two stories on the news wires regarding Arkansas' Freedom of Information Act caught our attention. In one, an infamous state-prison inmate won a partial victory in her quest to see records regarding a confrontation she had with a correction officer. In another, a newspaper and a county sheriff locked horns over the timely release of public documents.

2/9/00
Is UA board violating FOIA?

Brenda Blagg

Brenda Blagg, FOIArkansas project
The debate over where to play Razorback football games -- which was never all about football -- is now wrapped in new controversy.

The latest question is whether the decision-makers have been violating the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, the state law that is supposed to let the public in on public-policy decisions.

1/30/00
FOI proposal, stadium poll recalled, another Wilson trial

Dennis Byrd

Dennis Byrd, FOIArkansas project
A draft is in the works that could put more teeth in the state's strong, but largely unenforceable, Freedom of Information Act.

12/19/00
Land commissioner's response to FOI requests may be part of answer for future

Dennis Byrd

Dennis Byrd, FOIArkansas project
Some issues are too complicated or controversial to be decided in the three-or-so months the Arkansas General Assembly meets every two years.

10/10/99
Journalists, Republican governor helped establish 1967 law

Robert McCord

Robert McCord, FOIArkansas Project
Arkansas’ Freedom of Information law — one of the most effective in the nation — came about because of the work of an upstart journalism organization and the resolve of a newcomer Republican to change Arkansas politics.

Dennis Byrd

Dennis Byrd, FOIArkansas project
Awareness, education and amendments may be the things that will continue to give Arkansas the edge in issues related to freedom of information.

Brenda Blagg

Brenda Blagg, FOIArkansas project
Enforcement of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act begins at the ballot box.

At least it should.

The lesson over time is that, while it is important to have a state law that gives people access to their government, it is more important to have people in power who believe in the law.

Dennis Byrd

Dennis Byrd, FOIArkansas project
Journalists aren't soothsayers, although a few would have the public believe otherwise.

Those of us who spent months planning a statewide survey to determine how public officials respond to freedom of information requests thought sure sheriffs or school superintendents would be the least compliant.

Political cartoon

Political cartoon