MI Conservative "Think Tank" Trying to get ahold of University Emails

[gimpy117]

A Group with Ties to the Walton foundation, and Koch foundation are trying to use Michigan's equivalent of the Freedom Of Information Act to get copies of emails that mention: "Scott Walker"; "Wisconsin"; "Madison"; "Maddow"; Any other emails dealing with the collective bargaining situation in Wisconsin. Presumably in an attempt to get those professors fired or in trouble for their comments. It's which hunt time in MI. :nope:

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/03/in-michigan-conservative-think-tank-seeks-labor-prof-emails.php

[Platapus]

Which is one of the reasons Tenure was created in the first place.

[UnderseaLcpl]

So....FOIA is totally acceptable when it comes to investigations into corporate activities, but not when it comes to investigations into teachers? Why?

I'm not asking this just because I totally understand the viewpoints of the conservatives on this. I'm asking why in the hopes that someone with more legal knowledge than me can explain. I'd consider it a favor, as I might use such knowledge/perspective in class when the subject comes up. Thanks in advance for any help:salute:

@Molon_Labe I owe you another thanks for setting me straight on class-action suits. I'm going to specializing in criminal law, but the perspective is greatly appreciated.

[CCIP]

Which is one of the reasons Tenure was created in the first place.

Indeed. Fired? Ha, not very likely...

[Freiwillige]

Witch hunt indeed! The think tank doesn't list it's donors but according to Liberal sources blah blah blah its the evil right.

[Platapus]

So....FOIA is totally acceptable when it comes to investigations into corporate activities, but not when it comes to investigations into teachers? Why?




FOIA is just a venue for obtaining information. It is not good nor bad in itself. It is the use of the information obtained via FOIA that makes it "acceptable" or not.

[AngusJS]

Republicans tried to do the same to a prof in Wisconsin. Here is his reply. (http://scholarcitizen.williamcronon.net/2011/03/24/open-records-attack-on-academic-freedom/)

But I'm sure these FOIA requests were made with the best of intentions, and are not in any way meant to silence critics. :roll:

[Takeda Shingen]

But I'm sure these FOIA requests were made with the best of intentions, and are not in any way meant to silence critics. :roll:

Oh no, of course not. Never.

This sort of thing is a long-established tactic of the political hit groups like Heritage (which now outsources most of it's really dirty work to organizations like Mackinac) and MoveOn. Yet another nail in the coffin of the moral superiority argument.

[Platapus]

\
But I'm sure these FOIA requests were made with the best of intentions, and are not in any way meant to silence critics. :roll:

Oh no, that would be wrong.

[CaptainHaplo]

Having read the OP article - something major stuck out. The university professor, Roland Zullo, is emphatically clear that he and his peers are not to advocate for either side using publicly funded university resources. He then outs himself by stating that this is an attempt to go "after folks they don't agree with". Now - the only way he can say that is if he has - in the past - made it know that he disagrees with a particular platform. Otherwise, no one would know that he disagrees with them.... If he has, then his actions as an educator are worthy of reasonable investigation to insure his (and his peers) proper behavior given the public trust they hold.

Read the "reply" link - the professor there doesn't like how the FOIA is being used, but he recognizes its worth. Yet he still argues that while he has done "nothing wrong" - he should not have to comply with the law.

Ultimately, what you have are educators who have no wish to allow the taxpayers (of an opposite opinion as they hold) to verify that they have not violated the public trust or abused the resources provided to them. Instead, they want to whine, claim its political, and basically point and go "look over there!" instead of just open the doors and let the sun in.

Aren't these types the same ones that scream for "open government" (which I heartily agree with) - but now go "well its good for everyone - except me. I should get a pass."

Yet another double standard - regardless of their political views or the views of their "opponents".

[gimpy117]

But is it this Groups place to do so? How would you like it if you're neighbor started spying on you to see if he can turn you into the police for something Illegal?

If anybody should be doing this its the Department of education or some other government agency...not some vigilante group with an axe to grind