The Daily Utah Chronicle - Opinion
Issue: 01/16/04

http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/news/2004/01/16/Opinion/The-Chronicles.

View.Access.To.U.Records.Should.Have.Been.Granted-582188.shtml

The Chronicle's View: Access to U records should have been granted

The oldest animal at the U's Animal Resource Center has been in its care
since 1970. That's 34 years-too many, according to U student Jeremy
Beckham.

Beckham, a freshman biology major, stood before the State Records
Committee on Thursday to present his case.

He has filed requests since August 2003 to view documents detailing
animal experimentation at the U's Animal Resource Center, but has
received only portions of the information that is supposed to be
accessible to the public.

According to the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act
(GRAMA), the public has the "right of easy and reasonable access to
unrestricted public records."

The State Records Committee decides which records can be made available
to the public. It determined Thursday that Beckham does indeed have the
right to view the requested documents.

And rightly so.

Hats off to U student Jeremy Beckham for standing up for what he
believes in.

Although the premiere institution of higher learning in Utah, the U
nonetheless does not have the right to supersede GRAMA.

Besides, it simply makes sense that the public should have access to
documents that are funded by public fees. Citizens have the right to
know where their money is going.

U students should likewise have access to records documenting research
that is partially funded by mandatory student fees.

It is unethical for the U to hold back information that is, by law, open
to the public.

It's not just about a university student who is concerned about the
ethical issues of using animals as subjects for scientific
experimentation.

It's also an issue of his right to information that will shape his
understanding of the research performed.

Now the U must recognize his right of access to the requested documents.

This case sets a precedent for other U students and citizens who, in the
future, are placed in a similar situation.

From a journalistic perspective, in order to have integrity in the
reporting of information, it is vital to have complete access to public
documents.

Unfortunately, Beckham will not be able to view the documents in their
original form-the U still has the right to redact proprietary
information such as names of drugs and specific procedures performed on
the animals.

Only then can he view the documents.

But it is still a victory for him and all U students who, against all
odds, make their voices heard and in the process, make a difference.

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