Judge blocks the release of teachers' union emails
From Sunshine Review
11 December 2008
Recently the Education Action Group filed a Freedom of Information Act request for emails from teachers' union President Nancy Strachan's taxpayer funded email account. In response, the Michigan Education Association filed a lawsuit against the district to stop the emails release. The day before they were to be released, a judge issued a restraining order blocking the action.[1]
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[edit] School board recall
The EAG filed the FOIA request to try and find out what role the Wayne-Westland Education Association is playing in a recall of school board members who have stood up to union demands. In all, the Michigan Education Association has been accused of using publicly funded email accounts to rally support to recall school board members in about a dozen districts.
Facing the tough economy, many boards have faced difficult budget decisions, which has resulted in unions not getting everything they want. Several districts have also allowed competitive bidding for teachers' health insurance, allowing them to direct more funds to children.[2] The release of these records could shine a light on these backroom activities. The EAG also seeks the records for information on a recent illegal strike.
[edit] MEA lawsuit
The emails in question were scheduled to be released December 5, when Wayne County Circuit Judge Kathleen MacDonald issued a temporary restraining order blocking the school district from releasing the records. The outcome is to be determined at a later date.
An EAG spokesperson said they were not given "reasonable opportunity to get legal counsel. EAG was completely bushwhacked. We have not obtained legal counsel because the issue was between EAG and the school district and the district never gave any indication (they) would be unable to fill the request. What was done (Thursday) was totally unfair, denied us due process, and illegal. We are evaluating our options, but are determined to protect the public's right to know and will fight ever harder for the documents to receive the sunlight they deserve."[1]
[edit] Similar case pending
A similar case took place in Livingston County in October. Judge Stanley J. Latreille ordered the release of an estimated 5,500 emails written on school computers by Howell Public Schools union leaders. He declared that they were public records and should be released under a FOIA request.
When the request was first made, administrators were releasing the emails until the Howell Education Association teachers' union sued to block their release. The case is pending an appeal by the union.[1]
