ESPN Sues Notre Dame Over Police Records: Latest Details and Reaction

After refusing to release campus police records late last year, the University of Notre Dame is the subject of a lawsuit filed by ESPN.

According to Margaret Fosmoe of The South Bend Tribune, ESPN filed the suit on behalf of reporter Paula Lavigne, who was denied access to the records in September and November. ESPN is accusing Notre Dame of violating Indiana public record laws.

Per Fosmoe, Indiana Public Access Counselor Luke Britt recently suggested that Notre Dame didn't have the right to withhold records.

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The police force is established by the governing body of a private institution, but their powers come from the state of Indiana. I am not comfortable saying an organization can hide behind the cloak of secrecy when they have the power to arrest and create criminal records and exercise the state's police powers.

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The university, however, does not believe that its campus police force falls under the state jurisdiction, according to Erin Blasko of The South Bend Tribune:

While no court date has been set, Fosmoe is reporting that ESPN is seeking the right to view Notre Dame's police records and also asking that the university be forced to pay a civil penalty and court fees.

It is unclear which side the court will ultimately agree with, but this could prove to be a major decision for media outlets and colleges.

Depending upon the result, it is possible that a new precedent could be set regarding the confidentiality of campus police records.

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