Source: https://opinions.attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/2010/11/15/10-ib14-re-freedom-of-information-act-complaint-against-university-of-delaware/
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 14:47:08+00:00

Document:
On October 22, 2010, the Delaware Department of Justice (“DDOJ”) received your complaint alleging the University of Delaware (“University”) had violated the Freedom of Information Act, 29 Del. C. ch. 100 (“FOIA”), in refusing to provide you with public records. On October 29, 2010, we emailed your complaint to the University’s attorney, requesting a response before November 4, 2010. We received a timely response from the University.
all records, including e-mails, related to the Wind Turbine Project at the University’s Lewes, DE, campus and any contemplated future follow-on projects such as shallow water energy production testing, a testing facility and research park on the same campus. These records include any internal and external communications especially with the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) [sic], except for those found at DoE’s Website, state agencies and legislature, and the city of Lewes.
The University denied your request on the grounds that none of the requested records are public records within the meaning of FOIA, which provides that only those University documents that relate to the expenditure of public funds are public records. 29 Del. C. § 10002(d). Moreover, in its response to your complaint to the DDOJ, the University has determined that no “public funds,” as the term is defined in FOIA, were used in support of the wind turbine project or to acquire property for the wind turbine project. 29 Del. C. § 10002(f).
The Delaware Freedom of Information Act was enacted to so that “citizens have easy access to public records in order that the society remain free and democratic.”1 29 Del. C. § 10001. FOIA requires that the public must have “reasonable access to” public records for “inspection and copying.” 29 Del. C. § 10003(a). However, the University’s records are not public records unless “relating to the expenditure of public funds.” 29 Del. C. § 10002(d). “Public funds are those funds derived from the State or any political subdivision of the State.” 29 Del. C. § 10002(f).
*2 The University of Delaware did not violate FOIA when it declined to provide you with the records related to the Lewes wind turbine project.

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