Overview
Title
Notice of Formal Determination on Records Release
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board decided to let the public see some old mystery files about civil rights cases from the past. They got these files from the National Archives and said it was okay to show them to everyone.
Summary AI
The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board decided to release 632 pages of documents concerning eight civil rights cold cases. These records, received from the National Archives and Records Administration and identified with unique numbers, will be made public as there were no proposed delays in their release. This action fulfills a requirement of the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018, mandating that such decisions are published within 14 days in the Federal Register. For additional details or inquiries, Stephannie Oriabure, Chief of Staff, can be contacted.
Abstract
The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board received 632 pages of records from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) related to eight civil rights cold case incidents to which the Review Board assigned the unique identifiers 2024-003-009, 2024-003- 015, 2024-003-024, 2024-003-030, 2024-003-033, 2024-003-034, 2024-003- 043, and 2024-003-058. NARA did not propose any postponements of disclosure. On January 10 and 17, 2025, the Review Board determined that the records should be publicly disclosed in the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection. By issuing this notice, the Review Board complies with section 7(c)(4) of the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018 that requires the Review Board to publish in the Federal Register its determinations on the disclosure or postponement of records in the Collection no more than 14 days after the date of its decision.
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Sources
AnalysisAI
The Federal Register recently published a notice from the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board. This notice outlines the decision to release 632 pages of documents related to eight unresolved civil rights cases. These records, received from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), bear unique identifiers, helping to catalog them for public access. This decision is in alignment with the stipulations of the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018, which requires public disclosure within a specific period. No delays were suggested by NARA, allowing immediate public availability.
General Summary
In essence, this document serves to inform the public that the Review Board has completed an essential step in making previously confidential civil rights cases accessible. By doing so, it aims to shed light on past civil rights violations, serving the public's interest in transparency and historical documentation. The release of these documents is part of a legal framework ensuring that significant historical records become accessible and are publicly archived in compliance with federal law.
Significant Issues and Concerns
However, the notice does not delve into the specifics regarding the contents of the 632 pages, which may lead to questions about what kind of information will be revealed. For members of the public or stakeholders interested in these civil rights cold cases, the lack of detail could be seen as an obstacle to understanding the true scope or impact of the release. Additionally, there is no mention of the costs associated with reviewing and publishing these records, which could raise queries about the financial implications or whether resources are being efficiently utilized.
There is potential complexity in the language of compliance with the 2018 Act, which might be difficult for those not adept with legal jargon to fully comprehend. Also, the contact information provided could be more specific about the inquiries’ nature, like whether questions should be technical, historical, or procedural, to avoid confusion about the appropriate use of these resources.
Public Impact
For the general public, this document signifies a step toward greater transparency in understanding civil rights history. As these records become part of the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection, they offer educators, historians, and activists valuable insights into past injustices. This can facilitate learning, advocacy, and informed discussions about historical and ongoing civil rights issues.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For specific stakeholders, such as family members of individuals involved in these cases or civil rights organizations, the document might provide a sense of closure or a resource for advocacy work. The release of these documents can potentially uncover truths or bring attention to unresolved civil rights issues, fostering a renewed interest in pursuing justice. On the downside, the lack of immediate detail might frustrate those seeking specific information promptly. The document's release reinforces a commitment to historical transparency, yet it calls for accessibility in understanding the depth and implications of these disclosures.
Issues
• The document does not provide details on the nature or contents of the 632 pages of records, which could lead to ambiguity about what information is being disclosed.
• There is no mention of any costs associated with the review or publication of these records, making it unclear if there are any financial implications or if spending could be considered wasteful.
• Language describing compliance with the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018 is formal, but may be complex for those unfamiliar with legislative references.
• Contact information provided includes a phone number and email address, but it may not clearly define the role or capacity in which inquiries should be made, potentially leading to confusion.