Senator Questions UC's Decision to Bar Filmmaker

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) A state senator and an organization of journalists is calling on the University of California officials to explain why they barred a filmmaker from bringing his camera into a public meeting of the school's regents in San Francisco.

In a letter sent to UC President Mark Yudof on Friday, Senator Leland Yee said state law clearly allows any member of the public to film public meetings of state bodies.

Liz Enochs, president of the Society of Professional Journalists' Northern California chapter, sent a separate letter to UC regents expressing her concern about the decision.

Ric Chavez, who is working on a documentary, was barred from Thursday's meeting because he didn't have a news media credential.

UC officials said they are reviewing their rules for recording meetings and will ensure they are consistent with state law.