ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - The University of Michigan has been ordered to produce documents to a newspaper showing how it determines compensation for its chief investment officer.
The university insisted the formula to pay Erik Lundberg was a trade secret and should remain private. But a judge this week said the Detroit Free Press is entitled to documents under Michigan’s public records law.
The Free Press says Lundberg had a base salary of $690,000 in 2016 but received more than $2 million.
Judge Michael Talbot says the University of Michigan “has not satisfied its burden” for keeping the records private. The university has 21 days to comply but could appeal.
Free Press Editor Peter Bhatia noted that the decision came during Sunshine Week, a time when news media highlight the importance of access to public records.
___
Information from: Detroit Free Press, http://www.freep.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.