Clemson lawyer sends letter, Durham reacts

Clemson University attorney Robert Wilkins has replied to the Oconee County Council request for information that would explain what connection, if any, the university had to a development company’s bid to build thousands of houses in the vicinity of Newry village. The letter, is dated October 31, and reads in part:

”Regarding your request for a “written explanation of any relationships”, no current record exists responsive to your FOIA request , as reasonably interpreted, in the possession, custody, or control of the University….”

“Regarding your request for disclosure of communications, as written, your request is overly broad and would need to be narrowed with specific parameters, to include a timeframe, University personnel, and keywords. The University would typically work with you to define your search terms….”

County Council Chairman Matthew Durham posted his reaction which he titled, “Clemson’s ‘No Records’ Response Raises More Questions Than It Answers.”  Durham is critical of an October 29 university press statement that he says failed to produce the records of explanation the county seeks.  The chairman says the press statement admitted that the university received the “Newry Project” proposal in November 2023.  He concluded his Facebook post this way:  “Pointing the public to a press statement while claiming there are ‘no records’ is not transparency.  Oconee County will keep pressing until every record is on the table and the full truth is clear.”