District of Columbia Sample Letter for Appeal Citing Freedom of Information Act

• Category: Letters - Nonlegal - Appeals
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-0158LR
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form. Subject: District of Columbia Sample Letter for Appeal Citing Freedom of Information Act — Requesting Information Dear [Recipient's Name], I am writing to formally appeal the denial of my request for information under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). As a resident of the District of Columbia, I firmly believe in the transparent functioning of our government, and I am committed to exercising my right to access public records. In accordance with the FOIA, which guarantees individuals the right to obtain information held by federal agencies, I submitted a request for [specific information you requested] to [Agency name] on [date of initial request]. However, I recently received a response stating that my request has been denied, citing [reason provided for denial]. I respectfully disagree with this decision and hereby request an appeal of the denial. The denial of my FOIA request contradicts the essence of the FOIA, which is to ensure transparency, accountability, and public participation. I firmly believe that the information I seek is legitimately in the public interest and does not fall under any exemptions as outlined in the Act. Article III of the FOIA explicitly states that federal agencies must disclose records requested unless they fall under one of nine narrowly defined exemptions, which I contend does not apply in this case. I kindly request that you revisit my initial request and thoroughly review the reasons provided for denying access to the requested records. Furthermore, I request a detailed explanation, in writing, stating the specific statutory basis and legal reasoning used to support the denial. This is essential as it will allow me to evaluate the validity of the decision and potentially provide additional evidence regarding public interest and the relevance of the requested information. Should it be necessary, I am prepared to pursue further legal action to ensure the disclosure of the information I seek. However, I believe that it is in everyone's best interest to resolve this matter promptly and in a manner consistent with the principles set forth in the FOIA. I kindly ask that you acknowledge receipt of this appeal within [state a reasonable timeframe]. I hope your agency will recognize the importance of upholding the principles of transparency and accountability, upon which our democracy relies, by granting my appeal and providing the requested information under the provisions of the FOIA. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] Additional District of Columbia Sample Letter for Appeal Citing Freedom of Information Act: 1. Sample Letter for Appeal Citing Freedom of Information Act — Denial due to Exemption: [Recipient's Name], [Your Name] is appealing the denial of the FOIA request made regarding [specific information]. [Justify why the requested information should not fall under the cited exemption]. Please reconsider and grant access to the requested records in accordance with the FOIA. 2. Sample Letter for Appeal Citing Freedom of Information Act — Denial due to Incomplete or Vague Request: [Recipient's Name], [Your Name] challenges the denial of the FOIA request concerning [specific information]. We believe that our initial request was clear and properly submitted. Kindly review the reasons stated for denial and provide further clarification to address any shortcomings in the request. 3. Sample Letter for Appeal Citing Freedom of Information Act — Denial due to Administrative Constraints: [Recipient's Name], [Your Name] is appealing the denial of our FOIA request, claiming that fulfilling it would cause an undue burden on your agency. We believe it is essential to obtain the requested information in the interest of public accountability and transparency. We request you reconsider the denial and explore alternatives to provide the requested records within the constraints of your resources and obligations. Remember to tailor the content of the letter according to your specific circumstances and reasons for the appeal.

Subject: District of Columbia Sample Letter for Appeal Citing Freedom of Information Act — Requesting Information Dear [Recipient's Name], I am writing to formally appeal the denial of my request for information under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). As a resident of the District of Columbia, I firmly believe in the transparent functioning of our government, and I am committed to exercising my right to access public records. In accordance with the FOIA, which guarantees individuals the right to obtain information held by federal agencies, I submitted a request for [specific information you requested] to [Agency name] on [date of initial request]. However, I recently received a response stating that my request has been denied, citing [reason provided for denial]. I respectfully disagree with this decision and hereby request an appeal of the denial. The denial of my FOIA request contradicts the essence of the FOIA, which is to ensure transparency, accountability, and public participation. I firmly believe that the information I seek is legitimately in the public interest and does not fall under any exemptions as outlined in the Act. Article III of the FOIA explicitly states that federal agencies must disclose records requested unless they fall under one of nine narrowly defined exemptions, which I contend does not apply in this case. I kindly request that you revisit my initial request and thoroughly review the reasons provided for denying access to the requested records. Furthermore, I request a detailed explanation, in writing, stating the specific statutory basis and legal reasoning used to support the denial. This is essential as it will allow me to evaluate the validity of the decision and potentially provide additional evidence regarding public interest and the relevance of the requested information. Should it be necessary, I am prepared to pursue further legal action to ensure the disclosure of the information I seek. However, I believe that it is in everyone's best interest to resolve this matter promptly and in a manner consistent with the principles set forth in the FOIA. I kindly ask that you acknowledge receipt of this appeal within [state a reasonable timeframe]. I hope your agency will recognize the importance of upholding the principles of transparency and accountability, upon which our democracy relies, by granting my appeal and providing the requested information under the provisions of the FOIA. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] Additional District of Columbia Sample Letter for Appeal Citing Freedom of Information Act: 1. Sample Letter for Appeal Citing Freedom of Information Act — Denial due to Exemption: [Recipient's Name], [Your Name] is appealing the denial of the FOIA request made regarding [specific information]. [Justify why the requested information should not fall under the cited exemption]. Please reconsider and grant access to the requested records in accordance with the FOIA. 2. Sample Letter for Appeal Citing Freedom of Information Act — Denial due to Incomplete or Vague Request: [Recipient's Name], [Your Name] challenges the denial of the FOIA request concerning [specific information]. We believe that our initial request was clear and properly submitted. Kindly review the reasons stated for denial and provide further clarification to address any shortcomings in the request. 3. Sample Letter for Appeal Citing Freedom of Information Act — Denial due to Administrative Constraints: [Recipient's Name], [Your Name] is appealing the denial of our FOIA request, claiming that fulfilling it would cause an undue burden on your agency. We believe it is essential to obtain the requested information in the interest of public accountability and transparency. We request you reconsider the denial and explore alternatives to provide the requested records within the constraints of your resources and obligations. Remember to tailor the content of the letter according to your specific circumstances and reasons for the appeal.