MARQUETTE, MI-- Northern Michigan University’s student newspaper won’t have to pay a fee to get administration e-mails through the Freedom of Information Act.
North Wind editor-in-chief Emma Finkbeiner said the emails were sought to investigate what she calls intimidation issues from six administrators and general counsel over other stories, including NMU’s exclusive contract with Starbucks Coffee.
University officials said the FOIA request would cost the newspaper $613. That decreased to $300 when general counsel e-mails were taken off the list.
On Monday NMU issued a press release stating president Fritz Erickson wants to waive all fees connected to the FOIA request. He says the action is necessary for the good of the university and its relationship with the North Wind.
Erickson said the requested materials should be provided to the North Wind “as soon as possible and within the requested time.”
