This is an ongoing story. Mustang News will publish updates as more information becomes available.
Cal Poly and Mustang News reporter Elizabeth Wilson settled on a lawsuit stemming from the school delaying the release of public records related to campus sexual assault and harassment complaints.
The agreement requires Cal Poly records staff to meet with Mustang News reporters each quarter over the next three years and post trainings online for public view. The office released all non-exempt documents and must train its staff on California Public Records Act (CPRA) obligations.
In 2022, Wilson, a journalism senior and Mustang News data and investigations reporter, uncovered that Cal Poly had among the highest rates of sexual assault reports in the Cal State system.
As part of a three-part investigative series, Wilson sought to understand how the university handled such a pervasive issue and what measures were being taken to address it.
To further explore the university’s response, Wilson filed public records requests in late 2022 to understand key how the administration addressed campus safety.
Despite legal obligations, Cal Poly withheld the records for over 18 months, leading Wilson to file a lawsuit in April 2024, supported by the First Amendment Coalition (FAC).
“To be clear, I am frustrated that it took a lawsuit,” Wilson said. “This took time out of my reporting energy and my experiences as a student, but at the same time, I am hopeful that this will result in a better relationship with the records office, more transparency, and peace of mind for all involved.”
Wilson’s lawsuit alleged that the university violated the CPRA and sought to compel Cal Poly to release the withheld records.
“Journalists and the public have a right to this information, and when there are very long delays, it is absolutely necessary to consult the law and to advocate for access to public information,” Wilson said.
Reflecting on the resolution of the lawsuit, Wilson expressed a feeling of accomplishment and relief.
“The reporting doesn’t stop,” she said. “I’m continuing to work on stories, and it feels really good to have steps in place to improve the relationship between the staff and knowing there is an agreement in place and that I kept Cal Poly accountable brings greater peace of mind.”
University spokesperson Matt Lazier confirmed that a settlement had been reached and declined to comment further, stating that the case dismissal has not yet been confirmed.
Correction: The agreement requires Cal Poly records staff to post public records training online. A previous version incorrectly stated that the meetings would be public.