Legal News
UNC governors vote to close 3 university-based centers
Amid student protests and faculty dissent, the UNC Board of Governors voted to close three centers, including the The Center on Work, Poverty and Opportunity at UNC-Chapel Hill. The News & Observer reported on the vote and the opposition. The Board, in an apparent effort to move away from outspoken opponents of the vote, moved the…
Read MoreRobeson County vote on Project Apple may not have complied with state meetings law
The Fayetteville Observer is reporting that the Robeson County Board of Commissioners voted to offer 75 percent tax relief for a four-year period for “Project Apple,” but refused to disclose the party behind the project. The article quotes SMVT attorney Amanda Martin on the possible violation of the open meetings law. The vote violated the state’s transparency…
Read MoreUNC’s expensive outside counsel criticized
The Daily Tar Heel has published an article on criticism of UNC-Chapel Hill’s decision to hire an expensive, New York City-based law firm. The firm was hired to assist with representation in a public records lawsuit filed by SMVT on behalf of a coalition of media organizations to uncover records related to the Wainstein report.…
Read MoreBig changes in music licensing possible
The Hollywood Reporter reports on proposed changes in music licenses put out by the U.S. Copyright office. The music licensing regime has long been considered one that does not adequately fit the needs of the modern industry. It is outdated, and was certainly not implemented with the internet or widespread use of streaming services in mind.…
Read MoreSocial media, threats, and the First Amendment on WNCN
WNCN interviewed SMVT’s Amanda Martin today about threats of violence on social media and whether they are protected by the First Amendment. The piece is expected to air this evening at 5 and 6 p.m. This post will be updated with video when it becomes available. UPDATE 02/06/2015: The video is now available at WNCN.
Read MoreWake schools providing less information on new principals
The News & Observer reports that the Wake County school system has reduced the amount of information and background it provides the public about new school administrators. The story quotes SMVT attorney Amanda Martin: Amanda Martin, an attorney for the N.C. Press Association, said Wake should be providing the work histories for the current employees who…
Read MoreGoogle holds closed-door reception for public officials
This week, Google held a press conference to announce that Charlotte had been selected to receive the company’s new fiber internet service. Following the announcement, the Charlotte Observer reports that the company held a private celebration that included a majority of the Charlotte City Council, raising questions about compliance with North Carolina’s open meetings law.…
Read MoreNC DOT charges $468 to see public records
The News & Observer reports that the state Department of Transportation is demanding that the Southern Environmental Law Center pay a $468 fee to review state emails and other files. The paper quotes SMVT partner Amanda Martin: Amanda Martin, an attorney for the N.C. Press Association, said she could recall only one other case in…
Read MoreUNC identifies four employees facing dismissal after academic fraud scandal
In a provisional settlement with a coalition of media organizations, UNC-Chapel Hill released the names of four employees who were terminated or retired in the wake of the Wainstein Report on academic fraud at the school. SMVT represents the media organizations in the litigation. Media coverage: ABC 11 Associated Press (posted by ESPN) Daily Tar Heel…
Read MoreN.C. Court of Appeals dismisses public records action against Assistant Director of Administrative Office of the Courts
In the suit, plaintiff, a former Durham County district attorney, sought to obtain emails related to her service from the Administrative Office of the Courts. The suit named the Assistant Director of the AOC as a defendant in both his individual and official capacity. The trial court dismissed the case. The appeals court affirmed the…
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