Yellowhammer Times

FOIA Request to University of Alabama at Birmingham regarding University Board Member Information on October 22, 2025.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham on October 22, 2025. The request seeks access to specific records under the Alabama Open Records Law § 36-12-40 et seq., preferably in electronic format. The information requested includes a current list of members of the University's governing board or board of trustees, with details such as each member's full name, title or position, and term of service. Additionally, the request asks for any official headshots, portraits, or photographs maintained by the University for use in official publications, directories, or on its website. Furthermore, it seeks any official biographies or biographical summaries prepared or maintained by the University that are used for press releases, board directories, or public profiles.

The requester is affiliated with Yellowhammer Times and emphasizes their role in gathering and reporting news to the public. They argue that access to these public records is crucial for fulfilling their professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. The requester also mentions eligibility for a fee waiver as a media professional.

This request is supported by The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this organization can be found on their website.

Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.