President Jischke did not respond to the request for documentation.  Instead, he asked Dr. Hill (VP of Student Affairs) to respond.  Apparently they contacted Paul Tanaka's office to determine (1) whether they had to respond to Allan Nosworthy's request and (2) whether they could charge Allan for their staff time and copying costs.  Thomas Hill responded, "We will be happy to comply with your requests to the extent that documentation is available to us, as long as you cover the expenses we incur in the process.  These will include the costs of duplication and wages for staff for the hours they devote to retrieving and photocopying the materials."  Dr. Hill's letter is copied to President Jischke and Paul Tanaka (the university's attorney).  Allan did speak with Paul Tanaka on February 17, 1998, who confirmed his office was consulted regarding Allan's request for documentation and information.
 

Here is Allan's response to Dr. Hill's letter dated February 16, 1998.

February 17, 1998
 

Thomas Hill                                                                  HAND-DELIVERED
Vice President for Student Affairs
Iowa State University
311 Beardshear Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011

Dear Dr. Hill:

Two weeks ago I requested information and documentation from President Jischke regarding the naming of Catt Hall.

In your recent letter to me, you inform me that I will have to pay for all costs associated with obtaining this information (staff time and copying costs).

Considering President Jischke’s statements that he is extensively read on Catt and that he will not reopen the naming process, it would seem he has already researched these matters.  The documentation that I have requested should not be difficult to locate.  This should not be a time-consuming task.  Are the documents lost?  Can you explain to me why answering these questions is so difficult?  Can you explain why the President’s office felt the need to consult with its attorney, Paul Tanaka, before responding to such a straightforward request for documentation and information?  This is just one more example of how President Jischke has sought to avoid addressing the issues raised in connection with the naming of Catt Hall.

Regarding my request in number 5 (copies or an index of documentation that President Jischke relied upon), I would be satisfied with an index or list of documents relied upon instead of copies of the actual documents.  If there are any items within this list that cannot be found at our library, I will then ask for a photocopy.

I am confident the Movement can raise the funds necessary to cover these expenses.  We are also willing to volunteer to assist with the photocopying.  Would you please provide me with an estimate of the costs associated with my request.

By the way, Numbers 6 and 7 of my previous request can be answered in writing without incurring copying costs.  Hopefully, there will be no further delays.

I look forward to hearing from you with the estimate of costs.

Sincerely,
 
 

Allan P. Nosworthy
ISU Graduate Student in Creative Writing
204 Clark Avenue, #4
Ames, Iowa 50010
515/232-7466
tlbs@iastate.edu

cc: George A. Jackson, NAACP - Ames Branch