If the Legislature’s intent is to protect sensitive NIL agreements involving student-athletes, the language should be narrowly tailored to accomplish that goal,” Bennett said.
Lynch said the bill wouldn’t provide an unlimited exemption. The university has released records that don’t involve student privacy or competitive interests, including the athletics department budget and information reported to the NCAA. This legislation wouldn’t change that, she said.
The bill would support UW-Madison’s continued denial of certain records, such as NIL contracts between the university and student-athletes, and UW-Madison’s NIL contract template, she said.
“I acknowledge (the exemption) may look like it’s broad, but I also can’t predict the future,” Lynch said.
The university needs flexibility to respond to potential NIL changes, she said.