The University of Central Florida will not have to disclose records related to the controversial Regnerus study after an Orlando Judge ruled in its favor Thursday.
Judge John Marshall Kest ruled that the records related to the journal Social Science Research, which published the study, are not public records because UCF did not transfer its public function to the private journal and UCF does not control it.
John Becker, an LGBT activist, writer and blogger, filed a lawsuit against UCF back in March 2013 when he was denied emails related to Mark Regnerus’s New Family Structures Study — a now controversial study on gay and lesbian parenting. The research paper suggests gay marriage could have negative effects towards children. Becker said the paper has been criticized as having possible conflicts of interest.
Despite an initial ruling stating that UCF must turn over the records, UCF was ultimately awarded the win.
“Today’s decision unwisely places government secrecy and private corporate interests above the public’s right to transparency and open government,” said plaintiff John Becker. “The public deserves to know the truth behind Regnerus’s dangerous junk-science ‘study,’ and we will vigorously appeal today’s ruling so that the truth can at last come out.”
UCF also sent out a statement following the judge’s ruling.
“This ruling is a victory for public universities throughout Florida and for how faculty members conduct scholarly activities,” UCF spokesperson Grant Heston said. “We appreciate the court’s careful review of this important issue.”
Becker says he plans to appeal the decision.
