News release

First Amendment rights, open government essential to democracy

2022-03-31T17:08:45-05:00

By Kelley Shannon Executive Director Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Sept. 4, 2014 Defending the U.S. Constitution is popular these days, when it centers on gun rights, states’ rights or search and seizure protections. As we guard the principles of our nation’s founders, let’s not overlook the all-important First Amendment of the Constitution and its guarantee of free speech and free press, which, along with public access to government information, are crucial to our democracy. The non-profit Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas has been fighting for these First Amendment liberties and the doctrine of open government since the foundation [...]

First Amendment rights, open government essential to democracy2022-03-31T17:08:45-05:00

Donnis Baggett to receive FOI Foundation’s James Madison Award at Sept. 12 conference

2014-09-02T19:09:41-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 2, 2014 AUSTIN - Donnis Baggett, whose career has spanned more than 40 years in Texas journalism, is the recipient of the 2014 James Madison Award presented by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. The award goes to those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to upholding the principles of the First Amendment. It will be presented Sept. 12 during the John Henry Faulk Awards Luncheon at the foundation’s Bernard and Audre Rapoport State Conference in Austin. Baggett, the executive vice president of the Texas Press Association, leads the association’s governmental affairs program, focusing on protecting open [...]

Donnis Baggett to receive FOI Foundation’s James Madison Award at Sept. 12 conference2014-09-02T19:09:41-05:00

Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, Rep. Todd Hunter to speak at FOI conference

2014-08-14T21:18:35-05:00

AUSTIN _ First Amendment and open government advocates will address court access, social media usage and updates to public records laws when the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas hosts its state conference Sept. 12. This year’s conference, “A Road Map to Open Government,” takes place at the Hilton Austin and includes speakers and attendees from throughout Texas. “It’s an opportunity for Texans who are devoted to open government - whether at the state Capitol, city hall or the courts – to come together to learn and exchange ideas,” said Kelley Shannon, executive director of the FOI Foundation of Texas. “We [...]

Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, Rep. Todd Hunter to speak at FOI conference2014-08-14T21:18:35-05:00

Texas Gavel Award winners announced; recipients to be honored at Sept. 12 FOIFT conference

2014-07-24T18:48:08-05:00

The State Bar of Texas has announced the winners of the 2014 Texas Gavel Awards honoring journalism that deepens the public's understanding of the legal system. The recipients will receive their awards at a Sept. 12 luncheon as part of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas annual conference at the Hilton Austin. For information on registering for the luncheon and conference, click here. The full State Bar press release, distributed July 23, can be viewed here. The Gavel Award winners are listed below by award category, along with short descriptions of their entries. Print, Major Metro: Brantley Hargrove, Dallas Observer, is [...]

Texas Gavel Award winners announced; recipients to be honored at Sept. 12 FOIFT conference2014-07-24T18:48:08-05:00

Temple Daily Telegram, Alvin Sun receive Spirit of FOI Award

2014-06-21T19:46:30-05:00

CORPUS CHRISTI _ Two Texas newspapers have received the annual Spirit of FOI Award for their extensive work using and examining the state’s open records laws. The Nancy Monson Spirit of FOI Award, presented by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas and the Texas Press Association, was given Saturday to the Temple Daily Telegram among Class AA, or mid-sized newspapers, and to the Alvin Sun among Class A, or small, newspapers.  There were no entries in the largest size category. The annual award honors journalists and news organizations for outstanding efforts that uphold First Amendment principles and promote freedom of [...]

Temple Daily Telegram, Alvin Sun receive Spirit of FOI Award2014-06-21T19:46:30-05:00

CONTACT INFO

  • Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas
    Kelley Shannon, Executive Director
    3001 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite 302
    Austin, Texas 78705

  • (512) 377-1575

  • [email protected]

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