Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

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Hello all,

I am wondering if anyone has had a media outlet request information/ records from an advocacy and support center under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and how you all handled it. They are requesting all records, complaints, photos, videos and media associated with complaints, reports submitted by survivors and active bystanders, all emails , notes and documents, all posters and advertising, and any report summaries. My concern is releasing information that we told the students would be private and only released on a needs to know basis as well as the mental health strain it may cause students to see components of their stories (redacted or not) in the public sector. I am also concerned that if the media puts together pieces of information from different reporting sources they may be able to find out who a survivor is and control their ability to control their own experience with sexual assault. They quoted the Michigan FOIA and I am wondering if their are any laws to support us denying such a broad request and simply releasing the statistical records we make public anyway.

Amber Mosley M.A.

Coordinator of Sexual Assault Prevention Education

Sindecuse Health Center

(269)387-2990