Shining a light on vital role of Sunshine Week

Sunshine Week is a reminder that information belongs to the people, not just to those in power.”

Transparency is the foundation of a healthy democracy. Citizens’ ability to access government records, scrutinize decisions and hold leaders accountable is essential to ensuring that power remains in the hands of the people.

And in an age when misinformation and secrecy can cloud public trust, the need for open government has never been more pressing. That’s why Sunshine Week — March 16 to 22 this year — a nonpartisan national initiative championing public access to information, is more than just an observance. It is a call to action.

Established 20 years ago, Sunshine Week is spearheaded by the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project, at the University of Florida in Gainesville, and supported by journalists, civic organizations and government reform advocates. It is a time to reaffirm the public’s right to know, and to push for stronger transparency laws at all levels of government. The week serves as a powerful reminder that democracy thrives when government operates in the open.

People must have the ability to access public records and understand how decisions that impact their lives are made. Open-records laws, such as the Freedom of Information Act at the federal level and sunshine laws in states across the country, provide a mechanism for the public to request government documents.

Because of these laws, civic activists and everyday community members have uncovered everything from violations of environmental laws to financial mismanagement, reinforcing the notion that transparency deters corruption and promotes good governance, and giving credence to Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis’s words 112 years ago, a perfect distillation of the benefits of transparency and openness in just five words: “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.”

But access to information isn’t just about exposing wrongdoing; it’s also about fostering trust. When government agencies proactively share data, allow public participation in their decision-making and are accountable to the people they serve, trust in institutions grows.

Without transparency, skepticism festers and public confidence erodes. Sunshine Week is a reminder that information belongs to the people, not just to those in power.

The week also highlights the indispensable role of journalists in safeguarding democracy. Reporters routinely use public records to investigate government actions, shedding light on issues that might otherwise remain hidden. Whether they are uncovering the misuse of taxpayer funds, tracking campaign contributions or monitoring public safety concerns, their work serves as the bridge between the people and the truth.

The fight for open government isn’t just for journalists. A parent seeking school budget information, a researcher analyzing public health data or a company navigating regulations must have the right to access government records. Sunshine Week encourages everyone to demand openness, participate in public meetings and push back against efforts to weaken transparency laws.

In recent years, there have been growing concerns about excessive redactions — legalese for blacked-out sections — of public records, delays in fulfilling requests for them, and efforts to weaken transparency laws under the guise of national security or administrative burden. Officials who resist public scrutiny make it harder for watchdogs to expose potential abuses of power.

Additionally, advancements in technology present new challenges. While digital record-keeping has made access to some information easier, it has also raised concerns about the deletion of electronic records, the use of encrypted messaging apps for government business, and the need for stronger protections to ensure transparency in the digital age.

Sunshine Week is a time to recognize these threats and advocate for stronger laws that uphold the public’s right to know. It is a reminder that transparency isn’t a privilege, but rather a right.
The principles of the week extend beyond just seven days in March; they should be a year-round commitment. People can take part by:

Attending public meetings and learning about transparency issues.
Supporting journalism by subscribing to their local newspaper, and advocating for press freedom.
Educating others about their rights under freedom-of-information laws.

Government transparency does not happen automatically. It requires vigilance, persistence and an engaged public. The more we demand openness and accountability, the stronger our institutions — and our country — will be.