Don’t You Know? National Freedom of Information Day is March 16

March 16 is National Freedom of Information Day. This holiday celebrates the fact that citizens have a right to access information that is held by the state. It is important for public accountability and the equal treatment of all people under the law.

National Freedom of Information Day is held during Sunshine Week, a national initiative spearheaded by the American Society of News Editors (ASNE) to educate the public about the importance of open government and the dangers of excessive and unnecessary secrecy,” according to Wikipedia. Sunshine Week was started in 2005.

National Freedom of Information Day celebrates the birthday of President James Madison, the fourth president of the United States, who was widely regarded as the Father of the Constitution and the foremost advocate for openness in government.

All across the country, Freedom of Information Day is celebrated by colleges of Law and other organizations, with panel discussions that provide information on the rights and freedoms afforded by the Freedom of Information Act. They use these opportunities to provide information to citizens on how they can take advantage of their freedoms, when they apply, and under what circumstances these laws are not applicable.

Freedom of Information Day can also be personal, when people are open with those around them. When asked a question, it is a good day to practice being honest and sharing details. As James Madison himself said, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives. A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy or perhaps both.”

Sources:

http://www.ala.org/advocacy/FOI-Day

https://teens.denverlibrary.org/blog/life/wendy/freedom-information-day