FOI Oklahoma announces the winners of their annual awards for 2020
We are thrilled to announce our 2020 awardees! These individuals represent some of Oklahoma’s most knowledgeable and passionate advocates for transparency. Their contributions to our organization and our cause extend far beyond any one single year, and we are excited to recognize each of them for their accomplishments.
Attorney Kevin Kemper received the Marian Opala First Amendment Award, which is named for the late state Supreme Court Justice Marian Opala and recognizes individuals who have promoted education about or protection of the individual rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. His nomination letter stated:
After having a career in journalism, Mr. Kemper decided to go into the legal profession. As an attorney, he has taken on some cutting-edge cases that test the limits of government transparency. He has battled a sheriff who has stalled production of records by requiring that a requestor travel from out-of-state to pick them up in person. This is an issue that is not expressly addressed by the Open Records Act, but it certainly violates the public policy that underlies the Act. Mr. Kemper recently settled a case against the City of Norman and one of its City Council Members regarding whether the Council Member was acting as a public official by serving as administrator of a Ward Facebook page and deleting comments that were unflattering to him. After filing the City of Norman lawsuit, the US Supreme Court came out with its decision in Packingham v. North Carolina, in which it held that “foreclosing access to social media altogether thus prevents users from engaging in the legitimate exercise of First Amendment rights." Mr. Kemper has shown a commitment to educating public officials wherever possible, and a willingness to litigate when necessary.
Reporters Paul Monies, Whitney Bryen and Kassie McClung collectively received the Ben Blackstock Award. The award is named for retired Oklahoma Press Association Executive Director Ben Blackstock and recognizes a non-governmental person or organization that has shown a commitment to freedom of information. Their letter or nomination stated:
Paul, Whitney and Kassie were relentless in their pursuit of records in Oklahoma during the COVID-19 pandemic. Paul created a special database, Whitney went after nursing home records and Kassie after hospital records. They also have been instrumental in their reporting of accurate numbers during the pandemic.
Representative Jon Echols received the Sunshine Award, which recognizes a public official or governmental body that has shown a commitment to freedom of information. His nomination letter stated:
Majority Leader Jon Echols is not only a leader in the House of Representatives, but is an advocate for transparency in government. He is willing and able to work with all sides of an issue to craft laws that live up to the spirit of the Open Meeting and Open Records Act. He is respected by the Capitol Press Corps as a person that is accessible and gives honest answers to difficult questions. Sometimes his willingness to engage in a frank discussion of both sides of FOI-related issues is misinterpreted. But Jon Echols is a believer that all sides of an issue should be discussed and considered if we are going to enact the best public policy. The FOI Sunshine Award recognizes persons that have shown a commitment to freedom of information. Majority Leader Echols has done just that and is a deserving recipient of The Sunshine Award.
Bill Hickman received the Bickham/Hale Service Award, which is awarded to the volunteer or board member who provides outstanding service to FOI Oklahoma. It is named after FOI Oklahoma’s founder Sue Hale and longtime executive director Kay Bickham. Bill’s letter of nomination stated:
Bill is the unseen face of Freedom of Information Oklahoma. Much of our public visibility is via our Facebook page, and most of the news on that page comes from postings and comments by Bill. He is the arm of FOIO that reaches out to touch and inspire the public. Bill is inquisitive, insightful, and well-informed about government transparency issues across the country, and he shares his knowledge with people ranging from journalism students to the FOIO Board. He is passionate but humble, and although he may be inclined to quietly downplay his contribution to the mission of FOIO, his efforts to shine more light than heat should be honored.
As is customary, FOI Oklahoma also bestows a Black Hole Award upon an individual, agency or organization that has most thwarted the free flow of information. For 2020, that award was given to Epic Charter Schools. The nomination letter stated:
Epic Charter Schools is the most secretive school district in Oklahoma. Its leaders have used many tactics to avoid public scrutiny, such as blocking/delaying/charging outrageous fees for records requests, demanding a reporter’s sources, lawsuits and threats of lawsuits to silence critics and intentionally creating systems to obscure public spending.