Student journalists announce lawsuit against WWU alleging Public Records Act violations

Student journalists, with support by the Student Press Law Center, announced a lawsuit that has been filed against Western Washington University, alleging it has violated the state's Public Records Act.

The lawsuit aims to compel the university to release the names of students found responsible for sexual misconduct. It was filed in Whatcom County Superior Court.

A press release sent out Tuesday stated that "while Western releases investigation records as required by state law, it redacts the names of students found to have committed a sexual or violent offense - despite state and federal law specifically requiring colleges to release the names."

The press release also said that the plaintiffs in the lawsuit are acting as individual journalists, not on behalf of any media outlet.

The university released a statement Tuesday evening:

"It is the University’s position that redactions were in compliance with the Washington State Public Records Act. The University will respond to the complaint in Whatcom County Superior Court as part of the legal process."

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