August 2, 1994



Mr. Terrell W. Benton, Jr.
McLeod, Benton, Begnaud & Marshall
P.O. Box 8108
Athens, Georgia 30603

Dear Mr. Benton:

     The Georgia First Amendment Foundation was incorporated earlier this year as an information and education organization on access to government and First Amendment issues.  We also provide legal support on occasion.  A member of our board of directors asked that we take note of the debate in Oconee County concerning the Systemwide Media Committee and respond if appropriate.

     The Systemwide Media Committee, which has been empowered by the school board to remove books from the library, clearly is subject to the Georgia's Open Meetings Act.  We would urge you to assure that access to the meetings of the committee is afforded to members of the press and public, and that access to the minutes of those meetings is likewise assured.

     Thank you for attention to this matter.

Sincerely,



Hyde Post          Kent Middleton          Tom Bennett