As debates over truth, transparency, and trust continue to shape public life, the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition (CFOIC) works to ensure access to information remains a right rather than a privilege.
Founded in 1987, CFOIC was originally created to bring together journalists and news organizations that were separately reporting on freedom of information issues. Rather than working in isolation, the coalition functioned as a centralized resource.
The organization closely tracks legislation that could expand or restrict access to public records and meetings while also documenting cases in which public bodies fail to operate transparently, serving students and citizens who may lack the time or expertise to investigate such issues themselves.
“It’s one of the ultimate watchdogs for journalism,” CSMA (Colorado Student Media Association) Executive Director Emeritus, Jack Kennedy, said. “It really helps us all.”
For many, CFOIC’s most accessible tool is its website and free blog, regularly highlighting transparency disputes, legislative changes, and public records cases throughout the state. The site provides a place to stay informed about developments that may affect readers directly.
“There’s a constant tug of war between those with power and those without,” Kennedy said.
General access to public records and meetings is important for decision making at the local and state levels, where decisions may have immediate and personal consequences. According to Kennedy, even well intentioned government agencies may attempt to limit access to reduce friction with the public or avoid negative attention.
“No one likes bad news in the press,” Kennedy said, “but we have to start with transparency.”
Kennedy framed transparency as a fundamental expectation of democracy, explaining that voters effectively “hire” public officials to act on their behalf. Knowing how decisions are made, he argued, is essential to maintaining trust.
Despite legal protections, accessing public information can be a difficult process. Filing public records requests often requires navigating forms, fees, and lengthy document reviews. CFOIC works to reduce these barriers by providing guidance, templates, and contact information, though the process can still be tedious.
“Let’s face it, it’s a hassle,” Kennedy said, particularly for students balancing school responsibilities.
Student journalists, however, remain a key focus of CFOIC’s work. A search of the organization’s website reveals numerous cases involving high schools, reflecting its broader commitment to transparency in education. Through a long-standing partnership with the CSMA, CFOIC has supported student reporters and advisers facing resistance from school administrators.
“Too many times, a lone student reporter or editor faces long odds,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy emphasized that journalists and public institutions are not meant to be adversaries, but acknowledged that transparency can be uncomfortable.
A common misconception surrounding public record laws is that journalists are seeking conflict rather than clarity. In opposition to the common notion around public record laws that journalists are seeking conflict, Kennedy stressed that transparency is almost always preferable, even when privacy concerns must be considered.
“Are there times when privacy concerns overrule our desire to know the truth? Sure,” Kennedy said. “But even then, some transparency about how those decisions were made helps maintain trust.”
In today’s media and political climate, marked by misinformation and competing versions of reality, CFOIC’s role has become increasingly important. With reliable information harder to distinguish, the organization provides a consistent, credible source focused on access rather than opinion.
Looking ahead, Kennedy hopes readers, especially high school students, recognize that they are not alone in asking questions. CFOIC, he said, represents professionals committed to defending free expression and the public’s right to know.
“If we can’t get the facts,” he said, “we have a tough time doing our jobs—not just as journalists, but as citizens.”
