Matt Berg v. University of Massachusetts - Amherst (SPR 20211138)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records May 14, 2021 SPR21/1138 Christine M. Wilda Associate Chancellor for Compliance UMass Amherst 340 Whitmore Building 181 President's Drive Amherst, MA 01003 Dear Ms. Wilda: I have received the petition of Matt Berg, of Massachusetts Daily Collegian, appealing the response of UMass Amherst (UMass) to a request for public records. G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On April 6, 2021, Mr. Berg requested, “[e]mails between university employees regarding an investigation into a fraternity.” Unsatisfied with the response, Mr. Berg appealed and SPR21/1138 was opened as result. Based upon a conversation between a Public Records Division staff attorney and a UMass representative, it is my understanding that UMass intends on providing a subsequent response to Mr. Berg. Accordingly, UMass is ordered to provide Mr. Berg with a response to his request in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its Access Regulations within 10 business days. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of this response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Mr. Berg may appeal the substantive nature of UMass' response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records cc: Matt Berg One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 • (617) 727-2832• Fax: (617) 727-5914 sec.state.ma.us/pre • pre@sec.state.ma.us