More than a century ago, Justice Louis Brandeis famously wrote, “sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” His words remain as relevant today as they were in 1913, reminding us that transparency is essential for a healthy democracy. Sunshine Week, observed from March 16 to 22 this year, is a time to reflect on the importance of open government and to advocate for policies that ensure accountability and public access to information.

At the heart of Sunshine Week is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), a law that has served as a cornerstone of government transparency since its passage in 1966. The road to FOIA was long and difficult, championed by Representative John Moss of California, who fought tirelessly for a decade to bring transparency to a Cold War-era government shrouded in secrecy. Despite resistance from his own party and even President Lyndon B. Johnson, who reluctantly signed the bill into law on July 4, 1966, FOIA became a powerful tool for journalists, researchers, and citizens seeking to hold their government accountable.

The importance of FOIA and the principles of Sunshine Week cannot be overstated. A transparent government fosters public trust, allowing citizens to engage meaningfully with their leaders. When information flows freely, government officials can receive constructive criticism, identify policy failures, and ensure the fair distribution of resources. Transparency also acts as a safeguard against corruption, inefficiency, and abuse of power, reinforcing the foundation of our democracy.

Sunshine Week is a call to action for all of us—journalists, educators, civic organizations, and everyday citizens—to demand openness from our government. It is an opportunity to engage in public discussions, raise awareness, and push for stronger transparency laws at all levels of governance.
As we commemorate this year’s Sunshine Week, let us remember that an informed public is an empowered public. The fight for transparency is ongoing, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the light of accountability never dims.