Project FOIA

Americans should not have to wait decades for federal agencies to release information. The Freedom of Information Act was created to give the public timely access to government records, yet far too much information remains inaccessible or delayed. When transparency breaks down, accountability breaks down with it.

To address this gap, I am teaching students how to use FOIA as a practical tool for advocacy and civic participation. By equipping young people with the skills to request public records—and to help their communities understand and use that information—we strengthen the ability of citizens to make informed decisions and hold institutions and officials accountable.

This initiative builds a foundation of transparency literacy: understanding how FOIA works, how to file effective requests, how to interpret disclosures, and how to use public records to support community‑driven oversight. Empowering students with these tools is essential to ensuring that government information serves the public interest rather than remaining shrouded in secrecy.