Overview
Title
Notice of Formal Determination on Records Release
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board decided that some secret papers about old civil rights cases should be shared with everyone, even though the place holding the papers wanted to keep some of them hidden for a little longer. This makes sure that everyone can see the papers just like the rules say they should.
Summary AI
The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board received 201 pages of records from the National Archives related to four cold case incidents. The Archives wanted to delay the release of records for one case, but on January 24, 2025, the Review Board decided to reject the delay and disclose all 201 pages to the public. This action complies with the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018, which requires transparency in such cases. The decision and notice were published in the Federal Register as required by law.
Abstract
The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board received 201 pages of records from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) related to four civil rights cold case incidents to which the Review Board assigned the unique identifiers 2024-003-032, 2024-003- 036, 2024-003-056, and 2024-003-059. NARA proposed seven (7) postponements of disclosure in records related to incident 2024-003- 059. NARA did not propose postponements in the other records. On January 24, 2025, the Review Board rejected the proposed postponements and determined that all 201 pages of 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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AnalysisAI
General Summary
The document is a formal notice from the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board, a U.S. agency tasked with reviewing and releasing historical records related to unresolved civil rights cases. This particular notice pertains to 201 pages of records concerning four specific civil rights cold case incidents received from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The Review Board made the decision to publicly release all of these documents despite NARA's proposal to postpone the disclosure of certain records related to one of the incidents.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One significant issue addressed in the document is the balance between the need for transparency and potential concerns for privacy or other sensitive matters often at stake in historical records releases. Here, NARA had suggested delaying the release of some records to protect certain interests, which the Review Board ultimately rejected. The document does not detail the reasons behind the postponements but highlights the Board's commitment to transparency, aligning with the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018.
Impact on the Public Broadly
For the general public, this decision emphasizes a governmental commitment to transparency and accountability, particularly concerning sensitive historical issues like civil rights cold cases. By making these documents public, the Review Board adds to the historical account and understanding of pivotal civil rights incidents, which can enhance public knowledge and discussion on civil rights history and its unresolved mysteries.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Specific stakeholders, such as historians, researchers, and families of victims involved in these cold cases, stand to benefit greatly from this release. Historians and researchers gain access to primary source material that could provide new insights or confirm existing narratives about these incidents. For the families of those involved, this transparency can offer a form of closure or additional information about the circumstances surrounding their loved ones' cases. However, releasing sensitive documentation might also reopen old wounds or present new complexities, which is a consideration that careful communication and context can address.
In summary, while the decision to release these records without postponement highlights a victory for transparency and historical accountability, it also necessitates a careful handling of delicate information that could impact various individuals and groups in different ways.