On Friday, April 10, 2015, the National Declassification Center held a public forum, NDC Prioritization: What Secrets Do People Want to See? to discuss prioritization of its holdings as a way forward since the completion of the 351 million page backlog in February 2014. The public forum featured remarks from the Archivist of the United … Continue reading NDC Outlines Prioritization Plan
PIDB Member William Leary to Participate in NDC Public Forum on Prioritization
We are pleased that PIDB member William (Bill) Leary will participate as a panelist at the National Declassification Center’s next public forum. The forum’s theme is NDC Prioritization: What Secrets Do People Want to See? This is an excellent opportunity for Mr. Leary to discuss the PIDB’s recent supplemental report, Setting Priorities: An Essential Step … Continue reading PIDB Member William Leary to Participate in NDC Public Forum on Prioritization
Prioritization and the National Declassification Center
In our 2014 supplemental report, Setting Priorities: An Essential Step in Transforming Declassification, the PIDB advocated for a coordinated, government-wide approach to declassifying information based on those records most sought after and of most historical significance to the public. To this end, we believe topic-based prioritization is a viable alternative to prioritizing records simply by … Continue reading Prioritization and the National Declassification Center
Sunshine Week and Open Government Progress
We are pleased to announce the Presidential appointments of Ms. Laura A. DeBonis and Mr. Solomon B. Watson, IV as members to the PIDB on March 12, 2015. It is fitting that the newest members of the PIDB are able to participate in our executive session meeting being held today. As we reflect on the … Continue reading Sunshine Week and Open Government Progress
The Public Interest Declassification Board commemorates James Madison’s birthday and Sunshine Week
Sunshine Week is an annual initiative designed to raise awareness of the importance of citizen access to Government information. This commemoration coincides with National Freedom of Information Day and James Madison’s birthday (March 16). We reaffirm the principle that an Open Government is essential in our democracy. An informed citizenry, actively participating in debating and … Continue reading The Public Interest Declassification Board commemorates James Madison’s birthday and Sunshine Week
The President Announces His Intention to Appoint Laura A. DeBonis and Solomon B. Watson IV to the PIDB
Yesterday, the President announced his intention to appoint Laura A. DeBonis and Solomon B. Watson IV to each serve three-year terms as members of the Public Interest Declassification Board. You can find a link to the White House press release announcing the appointments here. The members of the PIDB look forward to working with Ms. … Continue reading The President Announces His Intention to Appoint Laura A. DeBonis and Solomon B. Watson IV to the PIDB
William Leary To Be Reappointed to the PIDB
President Obama announced yesterday afternoon his intention to nominate William Leary to serve a second three-year term on the PIDB. The members are pleased to learn of his reappointment and we are looking forward to his continued help in advocating for transforming the national security classification system. Before his retirement from Government service as the … Continue reading William Leary To Be Reappointed to the PIDB
NEW ANNOUNCEMENT: The PIDB Releases its Supplemental Report, Setting Priorities: An Essential Step in Transforming Declassification
Today, the Public Interest Declassification Board released online its latest report recommending additional changes to transform the security classification system. This Supplemental Report, Setting Priorities: An Essential Step in Transforming Declassification, focuses on topic-based declassification prioritization. In it, the PIDB makes the case for the government to adopt a centralized approach to topic-based prioritization and … Continue reading NEW ANNOUNCEMENT: The PIDB Releases its Supplemental Report, Setting Priorities: An Essential Step in Transforming Declassification
Retirement of Miriam Nisbet, Director of OGIS
On behalf of the members of the Public Interest Declassification Board, I would like to congratulate Miriam Nisbet on the eve of her retirement from Federal service. Throughout her Federal career, she served with distinction as a tireless advocate for transparency and access to government records. We first met Ms. Nisbet in her role as … Continue reading Retirement of Miriam Nisbet, Director of OGIS
Farewell to PIDB Member Martin Faga
On behalf of the members of the Public Interest Declassification Board, I would like to thank our colleague, Martin Faga, for his dedicated service as he concludes his third term as a member on the PIDB. Marty has made substantial contributions while on the PIDB, including service as the Acting Chair. He was appointed by … Continue reading Farewell to PIDB Member Martin Faga