FOIA Request to University of Massachusetts Amherst regarding University Board Member Information on October 22, 2025.
A request for public records has been submitted to the University of Massachusetts Amherst by Bay State News, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. The request was made under the Massachusetts Public Records Act § 66-10 et seq., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format.
The requested records include a current list of members of the University’s governing board or board of trustees. This list should detail each member’s full name, title or position, and term of service. Additionally, any official headshots, portraits, or photographs maintained by the University for use in official publications, directories, or on its website have been requested. The inquiry also seeks any official biographies or biographical summaries prepared or maintained by the University. These may include those used for press releases, board directories, or public profiles.
Bay State News emphasizes that access to these public records is crucial for fulfilling their professional responsibilities as members of the media. Their role involves holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency to the public. Given this context, they have requested a fee waiver as media professionals.
The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists news media companies and advocacy groups in investigating state and federal governmental agencies. They utilize Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to provide insights into government actions and inform the American electorate. More information about this coalition can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.
