Ashland, Oregon
May 20, 2006

Peace Corps denies Daily Tidings’ FOIA request

Local volunteer declines comment after reassignment following volatile remarks

By Alan Panebaker
Ashland Daily Tidings

The Peace Corps has officially denied a Freedom of Information Act appeal by the Ashland Daily Tidings requesting internal communication regarding Derek Volkart’s rescinded invitation to serve in Morrocco.

Volkart initially made headlines Feb. 13, when he was quoted in the Tidings saying his decision to join the Peace Corps was in response to the country’s “current fascist government.” When Peace Corps officials saw the article, they promptly rescinded his invitation to serve in Morrocco. On March 2, the Tidings issued a FOIA request looking for Volkart’s file and internal communication about the man.

The Peace Corps replied with information but redacted pertinent e-mails discussing Volkart’s placement. The Tidings appealed the FOIA April 12. The Peace Corps sent a reply dated May 8, claiming the information it redacted from the initial request was legally exempt according to section (b)(5) of the act.

The letter, signed by Wilbert Bryant, associate director of management for the Peace Corps, said this was the organization’s final decision and if the newspaper disagreed, it could seek judicial review.

Andrew Scot Bolsinger, editor of the Tidings, said he was disappointed in the Peace Corps and he would speak to everyone involved but was not interested in pursuing the matter legally.

“I think their interpretation of the FOIA is wrong. I believe we could push this and win in the courts,” Bolsinger said. “This is a tough decision, but I don’t believe it is in the best interests of our readers to spend the money legally it would require to get the access to the documents we have requested.”

As Volkart slowly crept under the radar in recent months, he accepted a position this March to serve in the Peace Corps in Paraguay and will leave this fall. He offered no comment on the FOIA request appeal.

Staff writer Alan Panebaker can be reached at 482-3456 x 227 or apanebaker@dailytidings.com.

 

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