Greg Grisolano, Globe education writer, picked up about 3,000 e-mails released today to The Joplin Globe by Missouri Southern State University.
3,000 e-mails
The e-mails come nearly two months after the Globe made its first open-records request asking for e-mails to and from 13 top MSSU officials. After being denied the open records twice, the Globe hired its own attorney. The university later agreed to turn over the records.
We scaled back the scope of our search because of cost factors to the paper and because MSSU was paying an attorney – meaning that cost was coming out of the taxpayer’s pocket. The e-mails we received represent those to and from Bruce Speck and those two and from former vice president Jack Oakes.
We have always maintained that these e-mails are public documents and should be available to the public. We do not think the law was written to require members of the public to have to hire legal counsel in order to make the request.
The Globe’s request comes as a result of turmoil on campus and a possible vote of no confidence in President Bruce Speck by members of the faculty.
Carol Stark: Editor's Notebook 
Carol,
Now that you have what you requested MSSU is taking the BTWBS approach. (Baffle them with BS). I wonder how many emails to President Speck are related to trivial matters not of any interest to anyone.
MSSU is doing what attorneys do in discovery. Give the opponent so much that they will miss the important stuff buried very deep in the pile.
When faced with such frustrating tactics by those “hiding” from public scrutiny it is no wonder that there is not more media bias. Just think of the editorial you could write laying all this out.
Comment by a conservative — September 29, 2009 @ 8:39 pm |
This whole thing about the selection/deselection of Oaks as VP, the no confidence railroad, the raking Southern and Speck over the coals is rather embarrassing to and for the school and community. Give the school a chance to live on past the Leon days of whips and chains, expand into the 21st century, become part of the community, relish in the idea that they can grow (Heck, aren’t they getting a DO school or are the whiners going find that a problem for their ego as well)… Give it a break everyone and enjoy in a good school and opportunity for our young
Comment by Blown big by small minds — September 30, 2009 @ 1:54 am |
Now that you have the paperwork, DO something with it. Don’t just put up a picture. Maybe the Globe will decide to actually investigate many of the other highly questionable things going on at MSSU too (the latest being the rehiring of Agee raises massive questions about professional conduct, illegality, and disingenuousness), instead of just sending Greg there to diligently scribble down what he’s told by Speck, Douglas and others.
Comment by Homer — October 1, 2009 @ 5:40 pm |
Now scan those puppies and post them online. They are public documents, let the public see them.
Comment by FormerProf — October 2, 2009 @ 5:26 am |