,

UW Research Might Not Be Exempted From Open Records Law

Lobbyists For UW Argue That Keeping Research Classified Would Help Protect Projects Related To Government Security

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The University of Wisconsin has argued that making an exemption for its research from open records laws would allow the university to better protect classified research involving government security. Photo: Eric E. Johnson (CC-BY-NC-ND)

A controversial measure that would have excluded University of Wisconsin research from state open records laws may be stripped from a bill that received a public hearing in an Assembly committee Monday morning.

Rep. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, who chairs the Assembly Higher Education Committee, said he will not support or allow a vote on the bill as written.

Some journalists and animal rights groups have argued that the measure is an effort to shield all University of Wisconsin research from public scrutiny.

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“You can’t help but take note of the irony of a Trojan horse being used to disguise another assault against animal welfare in the state,” said Leslie Hamilton, a Madison attorney who represents animal rights groups, during the hearing.

A UW lobbyist argued that the bill would have allowed the university to more easily obtain and protect classified research projects involving government security.

Under Wisconsin statute, the UW already has the authority to withhold certain information requested under open records to protect trade secrets.