Colman Herman v. University of Massachusetts (SPR 20251776)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records July 3, 2025 SPR25/1776 Francis Flaherty, Esq. Records Access Officer University of Massachusetts – President’s Office One Beacon Street, 31st Floor Boston, MA 02108 Dear Attorney Flaherty: I have received the petition of Colman Herman appealing the nonresponse of the University of Massachusetts (University) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On May 29, 2025, Mr. Herman requested “copies of any and all communications between you and your press officials for the period January 1, 2025 to present.” Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Mr. Herman petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR25/1776, was opened as a result. Despite being notified of the opening of this appeal, it remains unclear whether the University has provided a response. Accordingly, the University is ordered to provide Mr. Herman with a response to his request, provided in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten (10) business days. A copy of any such response must be provided to this office. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of the response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Mr. Herman may appeal the substantive nature of the University’s response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Colman Herman 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