Feb. 16, 2006 :: No. 134

Rick Pullen, dean of Cal State Fullerton's College of Communications, is the newly elected vice president of the California First Amendment Coalition (CFAC). The nonprofit, public interest organization advocates for freedom of speech and increased public access to government at all levels.

Pullen, who has taught courses in mass media law and ethics and co-authored two media law books, is slated to assume the presidency of the group in 2008, after completing his two-year term as vice president.

"I am honored to be asked to serve in this capacity," said Pullen. "CFAC is an active and respected state organization that has been an effective advocate to keep government meetings and records open."

CFAC was an author and sponsor of Proposition 59, the open-government constitutional amendment enacted by California voters in 2004.

Cal State Fullerton has hosted the CFAC Open Government Conference twice during the past five years, with Pullen serving as co-chair of the planning committee.

CFAC operates a free legal hotline for questions about government access law, conducts educational programs for citizens' groups and government officials, and is involved in litigation in test-case lawsuits to advance access rights. Its members include journalists, citizen activists, academics and government officials committed to open government.

Pullen, a Yorba Linda resident who joined the university in 1973, earned his doctorate at Southern Illinois University.

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