Information requests a tax on university

Last week's rhabdomyolysis story outlines a lack of understanding as to how a complex issue at a major institution is dealt with. Differences of opinion are needed in order to reach a complete and best approach. It's not a power struggle. It's good management.

I find the media obsession with the University of Iowa very troubling. I'm aware that freedom of information requests at the University of Northern Iowa number about one per month, at Iowa State University about one per week and at the UI more than 300 per year.

It's sad that an intrusive law (Freedom of Information Act) allows such harassment. This taxpayer and alum objects to the staff expense required to fill all these requests. It has to be hard on staff morale. More importantly, it will likely reduce internal e-mail communication, which can lead to poor decisions.

The media need some self-examination. After all, the UI football players were quickly hospitalized and cared for. All the subsequent noise is media complaining that they weren't properly cared for. What's important here?

Len Hadley

Cedar Rapids