Freedom of Information Day
On James Madison's birthday, March 16th, Freedom of Information Day promotes the public’s right to know and access to information.
Description & History
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James Madison was an advocate for openness and transparency in government. On or around his birthday, March 16th, Freedom of Information Day promotes the public’s right to know and access to information.
Professional Learning Resources
These videos from The Justice Department explain the details of the Freedom of Information Act and how use it.
The Office of Government Information Services at the National Archives developed this infographic to explain basic facts about the public’s rights under FOIA and what to expect during the FOIA process.
The Office of Government Information Services provides support to the public and agencies by addressing questions and concerns about the FOIA process as well as supporting resolutions of disputes that may occur during a FOIA process.
Learner Engagement Resources
This lesson plan from Docs Teach uses resources that were not available until the FOIA passed in 1966 giving the public the right to some government information. In the plan, learners can examine the FBI documents from Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama.
Use this picture book by Carole Boston Weatherford to discuss how a free press supports freedom of information. While this lesson is for elementary, the text is excellent for launching conversations at any grade level.
