Brechner FOI Project to Lead National FOIA Hall of Fame
The National Freedom of Information Act Hall of Fame is back, under the leadership of the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications.
The Hall of Fame was created in 1996 by the First Amendment Center, an operating program of Freedom Forum, with the assistance of the Society of Professional Journalists. The 1996 launch coincided with the 30th anniversary of the U.S. Freedom of Information Act. Every five years, through 2016, a class of new individuals was inducted into the hall in recognition of their impact and dedication to government transparency in the United States.
Past honorees have included former U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, Open The Government founder Patrice McDermott, National Security Archive founder Tom Blanton, and former Associated Press President Tom Curley.
This month, the Freedom Forum transferred the Hall of Fame to the Brechner FOI Project, which will rebuild its website and coordinate selection of the next class. Inductees will be honored March 2026 in Washington, D.C., during Sunshine Fest, a celebration held as part of national Sunshine Week, coordinated by the Brechner FOI Project. On March 19-20, approximately 160 people convened at Sunshine Fest to discuss the most pressing issues in government transparency.
“We are honored to continue the National FOIA Hall of Fame, because access to government information is more important than ever,” said David Cuillier, director of the Brechner FOI Project. “We appreciate the Freedom Forum, SPJ and others who went out of their way to recognize the amazing people who have worked behind the scenes to champion the public’s right to know.”
The new website, housed at Sunshine Week, includes a list of past inductees and invites nominations for the 2026 class through an online form, due Sept. 1, 2025. A selection committee will choose the new honorees, to be announced in early 2026.
“For 30 years, the National Freedom of Information Act Hall of Fame has recognized individuals whose work has strengthened government transparency and accountability,” said Jan Neuharth, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Freedom Forum. “As this important work continues, we’re proud to entrust the Hall of Fame’s future to the Brechner FOI Project, whose leadership in the field ensures that this legacy will thrive for years to come.”
The National FOIA Hall of Fame will continue to highlight those who have championed improvements to the federal FOIA. It complements the Heroes of the 50 States: The State Open Government Hall of Fame, which is coordinated by the National Freedom of Information Coalition and SPJ.
“The people’s right to know what the government is doing is essential for them to be informed participants in their own self-governance,” said Hub Brown, dean of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. “I am proud that our Brechner FOI Project is leading the charge to honor those who have paved the way for greater access to information.”
The nonpartisan Brechner FOI Project has conducted research, education and outreach in freedom of information since 1977, helping journalists, public officials and citizens understand their rights to acquire government information. This year it launched Sunshine Fest and its new national legislative Secrecy Tracker.
Category: Brechner Center, College News
Tagged: Brechner Freedom of Information Project David Cuillier FOIA National FOIA Hall of Fame
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