With protests against racism and police brutality occurring throughout the country, citizens must know how they are protected by the First Amendment whether they are joining demonstrations or covering them. Through advocacy, education and defense, NEFAC is protecting the First Amendment right to assembly and informing all New Englanders of their constitutional freedoms. Please support […]
Maine ‘Out of Step’ with Other New England States By Withholding Town-By-Town Case Data FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition and several open government advocates recently called for the release of more specific COVID-19 case data in Maine. Releasing the information, they said, is in […]
The New England First Amendment Coalition commends everyone who is keeping our communities informed during this COVID-19 pandemic. In a climate of pervasive misinformation and government secrecy, we want to assist you. Our Board of Directors includes many of the region’s best journalists, news professionals and attorneys. In addition to supporting a free legal hotline […]
By Jim Condos Trust in government is at an all-time low. As you can see playing out before our eyes in the news today, integrity is at a premium in times of crisis. Truth and transparency are necessary to effective leadership. In Vermont, we take great pride in having a government that is more accessible […]
The goal of Sunshine Week — March 15-21 this year with related events occurring throughout the month — is to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Participants include news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and others interested in the public’s right to know. Op/Eds Transparency in Government […]
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition will present a discussion on journalism and government accountability from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. on March 22 at the Medfield Public Library, 468 Main Street in Medfield, Mass. The Sunshine […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition will provide two sessions at the annual New England Newspaper & Press Association winter convention this week. The convention is Feb. 7-8 at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. Legal Issues: Libel, Invasion of Privacy and Other Legal Questions February […]
Coalition to Honor Journalists Behind Investigation Into Sexual Abuse Allegations Tied to Boys & Girls Clubs FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition will honor Hearst Connecticut Media Group with its 2020 Michael Donoghue Freedom of Information Award. The FOI Award is presented annually to New […]
To U.S. Congress Re: Federal Agency Communication Policies (Nov. 6, 2019) Over the last 25 years there has been a relatively rapid trend toward federal agencies and others prohibiting staff members from communicating to journalists without reporting to some authority, often public information officers. The restrictions have become, in great part, a cultural norm in […]
By Jim Condos, Vt. Secretary of State The start of the new year provides an opportunity to reflect and set out our intentions for the months ahead. This year, I am asking all legislators to join me in committing to protect and expand access for Vermonters who are seeking access to public records. The bottom […]