New Oregon Initiative Enhances Public Records Access for Journalists and the Public
In a groundbreaking effort to enhance government transparency, Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) has announced a vital partnership with Lewis & Clark Law School aimed at creating the Public Records and Government Transparency Project. This initiative is designed to empower journalists and media organizations throughout the state, particularly facilitating their access to public records critical for investigative reporting.
The significance of government transparency and the accessibility of public records has become increasingly vital across all government levels. Oregon’s Public Records Law (OPRL) supports the right of individuals to access government documents from varying state and local agencies. Yet, the complexities surrounding the utilization of open records laws can often pose hurdles for journalists lacking specialized legal knowledge. The upcoming fall semester in 2025 will witness the onset of this partnership, in which Lewis & Clark Law students will engage in training focused on the nuances of OPRL while simultaneously providing complimentary legal assistance to media professionals across Oregon.
As the only media outlet in Oregon with dedicated legal resources for open records, OPB acknowledges the growing necessity for legal experts skilled in this domain. The collaboration will allow law students from Lewis & Clark to gain practical experience under the guidance of supervising attorneys as they tackle legal dilemmas, conduct research, devise tailored strategies for cases, and collaborate with clients and public entities to ensure adherence to OPRL standards.
Rachel Smolkin, president and CEO of OPB, emphasized the organization's commitment to truth and transparency within public systems, stating, "As an independent public media organization, OPB's work is rooted in the relentless pursuit of truth and transparency of our public institutions. Our partnership with Lewis & Clark serves students, our larger local journalism ecosystem, and the public interest."
Moreover, this collaboration not only highlights Lewis & Clark's commitment to providing hands-on learning experiences for its students but also broadens their scope to utilize their legal education in serving the public good. Alicia Ouellette, dean of Lewis & Clark Law School, noted, "This partnership underscores the important role legal professionals play in ensuring access to public records. As a leader in training students for careers in public interest law, we are especially excited about this new offering."
In light of notable reductions in media footprint across many communities, the statewide focus of this project will serve as a crucial resource for local journalistic efforts from smaller media organizations in Oregon. Utilizing OPB’s extensive expertise in public records law, the initiative aims to bolster government transparency advocacy, thereby strengthening the journalistic ecosystem and encouraging law students to pursue careers focused on government accountability.
Rebecca Morris, OPB vice president and general counsel, shared insights from OPB's longstanding collaborative experience with Lewis & Clark law students over the past 18 years, showcasing the students' enthusiasm for open records cases and public service. "Our goals for this new project are to deepen students’ understanding of how government accountability through transparency strengthens the First Amendment and to increase the number of Oregon attorneys with substantial public records experience," she stated.
Joanna Perini-Abbott, professor of Practice and director of the Center for Advocacy at Lewis & Clark, further noted the critical nature of fostering partnerships that enrich law students’ proficiency, allowing them to contribute positively to public well-being both as students and future professionals.
The Public Records and Government Transparency Project represents a forward-thinking approach to address the challenges of accessing public information and supports the essential role media plays in a healthy democracy. As both institutions embark on this significant venture, they aspire to create a framework which not only serves current public interest needs but also lays the groundwork for future professionals in the field of law and journalism.
For more information about this new initiative, visit OPB’s website and stay informed on the developments as they unfold, ensuring the public stays engaged and empowered in their pursuit of knowledge.
The significance of government transparency and the accessibility of public records has become increasingly vital across all government levels. Oregon’s Public Records Law (OPRL) supports the right of individuals to access government documents from varying state and local agencies. Yet, the complexities surrounding the utilization of open records laws can often pose hurdles for journalists lacking specialized legal knowledge. The upcoming fall semester in 2025 will witness the onset of this partnership, in which Lewis & Clark Law students will engage in training focused on the nuances of OPRL while simultaneously providing complimentary legal assistance to media professionals across Oregon.
As the only media outlet in Oregon with dedicated legal resources for open records, OPB acknowledges the growing necessity for legal experts skilled in this domain. The collaboration will allow law students from Lewis & Clark to gain practical experience under the guidance of supervising attorneys as they tackle legal dilemmas, conduct research, devise tailored strategies for cases, and collaborate with clients and public entities to ensure adherence to OPRL standards.
Rachel Smolkin, president and CEO of OPB, emphasized the organization's commitment to truth and transparency within public systems, stating, "As an independent public media organization, OPB's work is rooted in the relentless pursuit of truth and transparency of our public institutions. Our partnership with Lewis & Clark serves students, our larger local journalism ecosystem, and the public interest."
Moreover, this collaboration not only highlights Lewis & Clark's commitment to providing hands-on learning experiences for its students but also broadens their scope to utilize their legal education in serving the public good. Alicia Ouellette, dean of Lewis & Clark Law School, noted, "This partnership underscores the important role legal professionals play in ensuring access to public records. As a leader in training students for careers in public interest law, we are especially excited about this new offering."
In light of notable reductions in media footprint across many communities, the statewide focus of this project will serve as a crucial resource for local journalistic efforts from smaller media organizations in Oregon. Utilizing OPB’s extensive expertise in public records law, the initiative aims to bolster government transparency advocacy, thereby strengthening the journalistic ecosystem and encouraging law students to pursue careers focused on government accountability.
Rebecca Morris, OPB vice president and general counsel, shared insights from OPB's longstanding collaborative experience with Lewis & Clark law students over the past 18 years, showcasing the students' enthusiasm for open records cases and public service. "Our goals for this new project are to deepen students’ understanding of how government accountability through transparency strengthens the First Amendment and to increase the number of Oregon attorneys with substantial public records experience," she stated.
Joanna Perini-Abbott, professor of Practice and director of the Center for Advocacy at Lewis & Clark, further noted the critical nature of fostering partnerships that enrich law students’ proficiency, allowing them to contribute positively to public well-being both as students and future professionals.
The Public Records and Government Transparency Project represents a forward-thinking approach to address the challenges of accessing public information and supports the essential role media plays in a healthy democracy. As both institutions embark on this significant venture, they aspire to create a framework which not only serves current public interest needs but also lays the groundwork for future professionals in the field of law and journalism.
For more information about this new initiative, visit OPB’s website and stay informed on the developments as they unfold, ensuring the public stays engaged and empowered in their pursuit of knowledge.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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