Public Universities records requests (Auburn University)

Dear records officer,

Pursuant to Alabama Open Records Law, kindly transmit the following records in electronic format on a rolling basis as they are cleared for release:

1) From October 8, 2023 to October 11, 2023: Any emails, including any attachments to said emails, to or from the following individuals...
a. The university Dean(s)
b. The university President
c. The university Chancellor(s)
d. The university Provost(s)
e. The director of university Communications
f. The director of university Alumni Affairs
...that mention any of the following terms:
—“Israel"
—“Gaza"
—“Hamas
—“Palestine"
—“Palestinian"
—"Students for Justice in Palestine"
—“SJP"
—“Chabad
—"Hillel”

If there are any questions about my request, can provide any clarification that will help expedite the processing of my request, please contact me at chaskins@insider.com. I am also happy to hop on the phone.

This FOI request is being filed in pursuit of a time-sensitive news story. Therefore, I ask that my request is expedited. When completing this request, please prioritize whichever records would take the least amount of time to be located and released. I would like these records in electronic format, sent via email or other digital method, and again, please release documents on a rolling basis, as they become available.

If you determine that any of the information qualifies for an exemption from disclosure, I ask you to note whether the exemption is discretionary, and if so whether it is necessary in this case to exercise your discretion to withhold the information. In any event, please provide a signed notification citing the legal authorities on which you rely if you determine that any of the information is exempt and will not be disclosed.

Also, I am a member of the news media as a reporter for Business Insider, and the requested documents are in the public interest and not being made for commercial purposes. Therefore, I ask that all fees are waived in the processing of my request. If fees associated with this request will be in excess of $25, kindly notify me in advance of fulfilling this request. As I am making this request as a journalist and this information is timely, I would appreciate your communicating with me if you have questions regarding this request.

Thanks again, and I look forward to your reply within 10 business days, as the statute requires, and an even more prompt reply if you can make a determination without having to review the records in question.

Best,
Caroline Haskins

Hello,

My name is Katherine Long. I have taken over this request from my colleague Caroline Haskins, who has left our organization.

Should I interpret your email as denying this request? Kindly clarify.

I can be reached directly at klong@insider.com or 206-375-9280.

Warmly,
Katherine