In a recent ruling, a judge has found that Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSU Shreveport) broke the state’s Open Meetings Law. The decision came as a result of a lawsuit filed by a local advocacy group alleging that the university had violated the law by holding closed-door meetings without proper notice or public access.
The judge’s ruling stated that LSU Shreveport had indeed violated the Open Meetings Law by failing to provide proper notice of meetings, conducting secret ballots, and not allowing public access to certain discussions. The lawsuit was filed by the Louisiana chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and the Committee for Open Government, who argued that the university’s actions were a violation of the public’s right to know and participate in the decision-making process.
The Open Meetings Law, also known as Louisiana’s Sunshine Law, requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public and that notice of meetings be posted in advance. The law aims to promote transparency and accountability in government by ensuring that meetings are conducted in the open and that the public has the opportunity to observe and participate in the decision-making process.
The judge’s ruling is a clear signal that public bodies, including universities, must adhere to the requirements of the Open Meetings Law. LSU Shreveport has been ordered to comply with the law and take steps to ensure that future meetings are conducted in accordance with the requirements of the statute.
In response to the ruling, LSU Shreveport has stated that they are reviewing the judge’s decision and considering their options for appeal. The university has also pledged to take steps to improve their compliance with the Open Meetings Law in the future.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government. The Open Meetings Law is a crucial tool for ensuring that the public has access to the decision-making process and can hold their elected officials and public bodies accountable. It is incumbent upon all public bodies, including universities like LSU Shreveport, to uphold the requirements of the law and ensure that meetings are conducted in a manner that is open and accessible to the public.
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