This is not a "breach of privacy" by Evergreen. This is Evergreen following state public records law: when someone asks for public documents, all state agencies have to produce those documents.

And in case you're wondering, if an Evergreen professor uses his school computer to send an email, that's a public document.

Matthew Green

The first, by Ken Talbbutt (Academic Dean):

Good Afternoon Folks,

As a public institution, we are required to comply with any Public Records Requests. A citizen has asked for,

“….request for access to, and potentially for copies of all records related to the recent arrest of an individual by state personnel on 2/15/08, and a subsequent “riot” that occurred in aftermath of the arrest. Records would include investigative files; email between staff members; email from and to staff members; all communications with outside agencies, etc.”

If you have any emails or other communications regarding these events, please forward them to Maryam Jacobs. You don't need to forward TESC Crier or TESC Talk emails. These records are due by Wednesday the 5th.

The second, by Ralph Murphy (Member of the Faculty):

The intent of the public records law is to open up government and public agencies (Evergreen) to transparency and citizen’s right to obtain information. It is one of the more democratic tools available to the public (which has been used by individuals and groups all over the political spectrum). I would hope the College and the Evergreen Community will recognize the seriousness of this request and exercise due diligence in fulfilling its responsibilities in this matter. The law doesn’t discriminate in the right to make a request or in its expectations of compliance based on the intent, purposes or politics of the person or group making the request. Any call for, or effort to obstruct full disclosure of the requested information will, in all probability, be discovered. This can only lead to even more embarrassment, unfavorable press/media coverage and further erosion of the public’s confidence in the educational purposes and practices of Evergreen.

...now this is getting interesting. The latest email from Larry Hildes:

Hi,

It is my strong position as an attorney who does PRA requests, that the College is misusing the process! private and political actions and communications by faculty, staff, and students are not subject to the act. Neither are e-mails, statements, and investigations conducted privately on behalf of students.

Such a requests is intended to require the college administration and law enforcement to produce records. No faculty and staff acting counter to those entities.

I urge you not to comply and will provide legal backing as needed.