The University of Virginia has received a request under Virginia's freedom of information laws seeking documents related to the work of former university climate scientist Michael Mann.
The American Tradition Institute Environmental Law Center on Thursday asked the university to turn over documents, including e-mails Mann exchanged with other scientists while employed at the university, on behalf of Del. Bob Marshall (R-Prince William) and two other state residents.
Marshall made a similar request to the University of Virginia prior to [Va. Attorney General] Cuccinelli's subpoena. The university at first told Marshall it no longer had access to the documents he sought. But in response to Cuccinelli's subpoena, it has acknowledged that it has a backup server that contains some of the records.
Oops.
Delegate Marshall has filed a bill to be considered when the legislature convenes next week to allow public employees to be terminated or otherwise disciplined if they knowingly violate public information laws.
It's not nice to
American Tradition Institute Environmental Law Center notes that FOIA law gives the university just one week to respond to the request.
And the Va. agencies I've FOIA'd for various reasons have all done that with no whining and no problems.
If the school legally resists, it says it is prepared for a court fight.
I'll order more popcorn. :-D