Open records advocates are crying foul over a measure moving through the Vermont legislature that would grant anonymity to anyone who gives money to the University of Vermont or the state’s public colleges.
UVM spokesman Enrique Corredera says the confidentiality exemption is necessary for UVM to compete for donors who may – for humility’s sake, or personal security – not want to be publicly identified.
The Vermont Press Association and other critics contend it runs counter to the principles of open access and accountability in government and that it has the potential to give unseen people a say in how the colleges are run.