The role of Iowa’s open records law in the handling of ISU Foundation records came under scrutiny Monday in an open forum.

The forum, in the Campanile Room of the Memorial Union, was sponsored by the ISU branch of the American Civil Liberties Union and the Central Iowa branch of the Iowa Civil Liberties Union. The panel included Sen. Johnie Hammond, D-Ames, and Neil Harl, distinguished professor of economics. A representative for Iowa State and ISU Foundation President Tom Mitchell both declined to participate in the forum, which was attended by about 50 people.

“Because of pending legislation and the threat of litigation, Foundation counsel advised that we should not attend,” Mitchell said in a statement prior to the forum. “During this time of dramatic budget cuts and increased tuition, the state of Iowa needs to encourage donor privacy. Additional legislation creates a `donor beware’ climate that is not encouraging.”

Hammond said opening certain Foundation records will help answer the questions of accountability and restore donor confidence.

“The principle of accountability for public funds should be open to public scrutiny,” she said. “The Foundation continues to say opening the records will have a chilling effect on donor contributions. Knowing how the money is being spent is not going to do this. I think the opposite – not knowing – has had the more chilling effect on contributions and donor confidence.”

Herman Quirmbach, associate professor of economics, said many people are concerned about the Foundation’s actions and its reflections on the people of the state and the university.

“The bottom line is there is obviously very strong support for having the Foundation obey the open records law as a way of restoring donor confidence,” said Quirmbach, ISU ACLU adviser.

Harl, co-chair of the Friends of Iowa State, said restoring donor confidence is necessary, but many discussions must take place before that happens.

“I don’t think there’s any question from people on either side of the issue about the need to restore donor confidence,” he said.

“If donors don’t have confidence, then they aren’t going to leave their funds to this university. It is refreshing to deal with a president who listens for a change, but we still need to further discuss these matters with the Foundation and others involved.”

Friends of Iowa State was formed last spring to deal with concerns in the wake of the controversial handling of the Marie Powers estate by the ISU Agricultural Foundation.

“The Powers farm case really hit home for a lot of people because a lot of rural Iowans still see Iowa State as the agriculture school,” said Rick Morain of Jefferson.

“A lot of faith has been lost and it may be years before a sense of confidence in the Foundation and their actions can be restored.”