LETTER: Records not personal papers

Dear Editor,

Given your Oct. 22 publication of a letter from Robert Sidford and Ryan Swanson, some context may be helpful.

A collection of personal papers, research notes and other documents passed to Utah State University by the late Leonard J. Arrington was opened to the public on Thursday, Oct. 11. Arrington was a former church historian and employee of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Church has learned that the collection opened to the public included some private and confidential materials owned by the church or its affiliated entities that were never owned by Leonard Arrington or subject to his disposition. The church and USU are working cooperatively to clarify ownership issues.

Dale Bills

Media Relations Manager