Author Jon Krakauer Rejects Claim That Records Release Threatens Funding

The attorney for "Into the Wild" author Jon Krakauer says state officials must disclose the disciplinary records of a former quarterback accused of rape for the public to understand what the University of Montana is doing to protect students from sexual assault.

Attorney Mike Meloy wrote in a filing to the Montana Supreme Court that preventing the release of records would be an endorsement of keeping secret how the university treats such cases.

Krakauer is urging the state's high court to uphold District Judge Kathy Seeley's ruling that Commissioner of Higher Education Clay Christian must release records of any actions he took in the case against Jordan Johnson, who was later acquitted after a trial.

State attorneys argue releasing educational records without a student's consent could threaten Montana's federal education funding.