OutCenter Southwest Michigan Files FOIA Request with City of Benton Harbor

OutCenter Southwest Michigan has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the City of Benton Harbor to obtain records related to the denial of its 2025 PrideFest permit application. The request follows eight months of unanswered inquiries regarding the city’s permitting process and transparency around park access policies.

The FOIA request comes after City Manager Alex Little referenced a draft policy for park permits during a recent City Commission meeting. OutCenter seeks to clarify the rationale behind the permit denial and understand any policy changes that may impact future events.

“Our main concern is the need for transparency and clarity about the City’s decision,” said MaryJo Schnell, Executive Director of OutCenter Southwest Michigan. “We also want to better understand remarks suggesting a draft policy that supports permits for some events but not others moving forward.”

Under Michigan’s FOIA statute, residents and organizations have the right to request access to public records, including communications and correspondence, to ensure government decision-making is conducted openly and without bias.

OutCenter has raised concerns about inconsistent statements from city officials regarding event restrictions at Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park. Additionally, the organization is seeking clarification on what constitutes a “special problem” that would warrant a permit denial and how that standard is being applied.

“Public parks should remain open and accessible to all, including the LGBTQ+ community,” Schnell added. “We want to ensure that permitting policies are enforced fairly and that no group is excluded based on the possibility of opposition or discrimination.”

OutCenter remains committed to advocating for equitable access to public spaces and urges Benton Harbor officials to uphold transparency and accountability in their decision-making processes.