DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Office of the Secretary Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Washington, D.C. 20201 Case No. 2019-00658-FOIA-OS American Oversight v. HHS, Civil No. 19-435 (D.D.C.) May 23, 2019 Mr. Austin R Evers Executive Director American Oversight 1030 15th Street, N.W., Suite B255 Washington, DC 20005 Dear Mr. Evers: This letter is an interim response to your August 28, 2018, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Specifically, you requested the following records: “All communications between (i) Roger Severino, T. March Bell, Maya Noronha, Arina Grossu, or Louis Brown, and (ii) (ii) any of the individuals or entities listed below: a. Alliance Defending Freedom (adflegal.org) b. Operation Rescue (operationrescue.org) c. Center for Medical Progress (centerformedicalprogress.org) d. Americans United for Life (aul.org) e. Charlotte Lozier Institute (lozierinstitute.org) f. Susan B. Anthony List (sba-list.org) g. Heritage Foundation (heritage.org) h. Heritage Action for America (heritageaction.com) i. Federation for American Immigration Reform (fairus.org) j. Family Research Council (frc.org) k. Concerned Women for America (cwfa.org, concernedwomen.org) l. March for Life (marchforlife.org) m. American Family Association (afa.net, afr.net) n. Life Legal Defense Foundation o. Federalist Society (fedsoc.org) p. American Center for Law and Justice (aclj.org) q. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty (becketlaw.org) r. Liberty Counsel (lc.org) s. First Liberty (firstliberty.org) t. Family Policy Alliance (familypolicyalliance.com) u. Thomas More Society (thomasmoresociety.org) v. Heartbeat International (heartbeatinternational.org) w. Live Action (liveaction.com) x. Care Net (care-net.org) y. Life Dynamics (lifedynamics.com) z. Judicial Crisis Network (judicialnetwork.com) VERSIGHT Page 2 of 2 Case No. 2019-00658-FOIA-OS American Oversight v. HHS, Civil No. 19-435 (D.D.C.) aa. Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (erlc.com) bb. U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (usccb.org) cc. National Right to Life Committee (nrlc.org) dd. Priests for Life (priestsforlife.org) ee. Freedom of Conscience Defense Fund (consciencedefense.org) ff. Representative Marsha Blackburn and any members of her staff gg. Troy Newman hh. Cheryl Sullenger ii. David Daleiden jj. Leonard Leo kk. Mark Crutcher ll. Albin Rhomberg mm. Sean Fieler The Department processed 2042 pages of potentially responsive records captured in the agency’s search for FOIA request 2019-00658-FOIA-OS. After a careful review of these pages, I have determined to release 26 pages to you in their entirety, and I am further releasing (4) four pages in part, with portions redacted, pursuant to Exemption (b)(6) of the FOIA (5 U.S.C. §552 (b)(6)). I have determined that 2012 pages are non-responsive and duplicative to your request. FOIA exemption (b)(6) permits a Federal agency to withhold information and records about individuals in “personnel and medical files and similar files, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.” The definition of “similar files” has historically been broadly interpreted to include a wide variety of files, and the United States Supreme Court has held that Congress intended the term "similar files" to be interpreted broadly, rather than narrowly. I have analyzed these records and find they meet the threshold requirement of this exemption. Additionally, I have reviewed and weighed the public interest in disclosure of this information against the privacy interest in nondisclosure, and found that the privacy interest outweighs the public’s interest in disclosure. We will continue to review the remaining records as efficiently and expeditiously as possible, consistent with our available resources and the Order of the Court. Should you have questions or concerns regarding the Department’s response and\or the processing of your request, any such issues should be communicated to your legal counsel and Department of Justice Attorney representing the Department in this matter. Sincerely yours, ~A- t ,. Michael S. Marquis Director Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts Division Enclosure(s) P~ERALIST , SoctETY fe ds oc.o rg 177 6 I St NW • Sui t e 11:3 00 Wash i ng t on. DC 20006 PH ON.: FA~ (202) 822-8138 (2 0 2) 296-806 1 Apr il 10, 2018 Justin Butterfield U.S . Department ofHea lth & Human Services Office for Civil Rights , Senior Advisor 200 In.dependence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20201 Mr. Butterfield, On September 8, 2018 , the Texas Lawyers Chapters of The Federalist Society will convene in beautiful downtown Fort Worth for the fourth annua l Texas Chapters Conference. Justice Clarence Thomas has agreed to serve as the Keynote Lecturer and will inaugurate the Grego,y S. Coleman Memorial Lecture Series. The CLE panels will feature judges , practitioners , and policymakers from the government, private , and nonprofit sectors - including: • • • • • • • • • United States Court of Appea ls for the Fifth Circ uit United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas United States Attorney ' s Office for the Northern District of Texas Texas Attorney Gene ral' s Office Texas Public Policy foundation Judicial Crisis Network Heritage Foundation first Liberty Institute Becket We cordially invite you to participate in the CLE panel moderared by Fifth Circui t Judge Don R. Willett: Religious Liberty and Conscience Rights in the Trump Era . This pane l should also include : ( 1) Kelly Shackelford, President , First Liberty Institute ; (2) Eric Ras sbach , Deputy General Counsel , Becket ; and (3) Nelson Tebbe , CorneU Law School. We hope you will join us in September and thereby co ntribut e to anot her great Texa s Chapters Co nference. In the interim , if you have any questions about the Conference , venue, or schedule, please contact Lisa Ezell at 202.822.8714 , or Matthew Kacsmaryk at 817.312.0288. Sincerely , Lisa Budzynski Ezell Vice President, Lawyers Chapter s The Federalist Society /\MEf cc: ~ Matthew Kacsmaryk Vice President, Programs Director Fort Worth Lawyer s Chapter Leonard Leo , The Federalist Soc iety pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000001 From: To: Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR) (CTR) Subject : RE: Special Invitat ion Date : 2018/01/16 21:34: 13 Priority : Normal Type : Note HiArina! I land at 4:00 tomorrow, so I should be able to make the call and t hen I'll look fo rward to seeing you Thu rsday morning . Thank you! Andy From: Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR) (CTR) [mail to: Arina .Grossu@hhs.gov ] Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2018 8:28 PM To: abath@thomasmoresociety.org Subject: RE: Special Invitation Hi Andy, Sure thing! The 1/18 event or also the stakeholder call? The call-in number is: ~kb~)~(6~ )___ code l(b)(6) I -Lpass Cheers, Arina Arina 0 . Grossu Outreach Advisor (Contractor) Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Health &Human Services 200 Independence Ave. S. W. Washington, D.C. 20201 Ar ina.Grossu@hhs .gov Phone:(202) 774-3009 From: abath@thomasmoresociety.org (mailto:abath@thomasmoresociety.org ) Sent : Tuesday, January 16, 2018 8:51 PM To: Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR) (CTR) Subject: RE: Special Invitation /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000002 HiArina! I know you are busy, but I wonder if you can add me to the invitat ion list. Thank you! Andy From : abath@thomasmoresociety.org [mailto:abath@thomasmoresociety.org Sent : Sunday, January 14, 2018 7:02 PM To: arina.grossu@hhs.gov Subject : FW: Special Invitat ion ) Hi Arina! This is brilliant! Do you have room for one more at you r announcement event? Thank you! Andy Andrew M. Bath Executive Vice President and General Counsel Thomas More Society , A Nationa l Pub lic Interest Law Firm 19 South LaSalle Street Chicago , IL, 60603 (312) 782- 1680 abath@thomasmoresociety.org ---------- Forwarded message --------From : Royce, Shannon (OS/CFBNP) Dat e: Fri, Jan 12, 2018 at 2:25 PM Subject: Special Invitation To: mitch.boersma@cicdc.org , halvare@gmu.edu , reggielittlejohn@gmail.com , Maggie1960Gallagher@gmail.com , robertoscarlopez@gmail.com , gplaster@lozierinstitute.org , eschmitz@sba-list.org , MSwearingen@usccb.org , GSchleppenbach@usccb.org , donna@aaplog.org , jennifer.lahl@cbc network.org , saden@adflegal.org , dprentice@lozierinstitute.org , cmattox@adflegal.org , vdicaro@care -net .org , gbaylor@adflegal.org /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000003 , ktheriot@adflegal.org , jpop ik@nrlc.org , achristensen@sba-list.org , KristanHawkins@StudentsforLife.org , twhittington@studentsforlife.org , jeannefmancini@marchforlife.org , pbreen@thomasmoresociety.org , lilalrose@gmail.com , david.daleiden@gmail.com , dickerson@cathmed.org , djhobgyn2012@gmail.com , garrett@jameswilsoninstitute.org , Brandi@stantonhealthcare.org , jromea@zephyr.org , judyromea@gmail.com , laurenmerz@liveaction.org , sgustafson@cbhd.org , hjc@haroldcassidy.com , jrz@haroldcassidy.com , pcunningham@cbhd.org , donovangk@georgetown.edu , tabitha@eagleforum.org , JRaganl@aol.com , rschwarzwald@regent.edu , cdonovan@lozierinstitute.org , patrick@ncose.com , Dawn.Dettling@gmail.com , ryan@theradiancefoundat ion.org , jsedlak@all.org , Orlando.C.Snead.l@nd.edu , jasonzjones@gmail.com , gary.bauer@amvalues .org , doriev@amvalues .org , wesley@discovery.org , helen@chiaroscuroinstitute.org , wiliam .saunders@aul.org , wmweber@aclj -dc.org , nifla@aol.com , aoconnor@nifla.org , cateici@gmail.com , tjwh iteop@gma iI.com , wsmith@colsoncenter.org , Andrew.Walther@KofC.org , tomf48@gmail.com , rgeorge@princeton.edu , pat.fagan@gmail .com , carrie.severino@gmail.com , NTNikas@aol.com , maryricehasson@gmail .com , krdaniels@verizon.net , jennifer@culture-oflife .org , alana@alananewman.com , KFiedorek@adflegal.org , Dbordlee@gmail.com , MHilliard@ncbcenter.org , meg@chiaroscuroinstitute.org , ovide .lamontagne@aul .org , bduggan38@gmail.com , JGodsey@Heartbeatlnternational .org , evangeline .bartz@aul.org , andy.moore@aul.org , bomorchoe@studentsforlife.org , revmahoney@aol .com , abbykp@hotmail .com , bethanygoodman@marchforlife.org , mforr@adw.org , apicarello@usccb.org , m.herrmann@arlingtondiocese.org , megan.mccrum@mail.house.gov , tonylauinger@okforlife.org , jdys@firstliberty.org , hsasser@firstliberty .org , mberry@firstliberty.org , brantley.starr@texasattorneygeneral.gov , cherylsullenger@gmail .com , Krdaniels@verizon.net , avitale@becketlaw.org , tchandler@adflegal .org /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000004 , HByrnes@usccb.org , fiorentinok@adw.org , eugene@priestsforlife .org Friends, Below please accept our invitation to j oi n a special stakeho lder call and attend a special meet ing. Please note this information is strictl y confi dentia l and the invitat ions are not transfe rable. You w ill wa nt t o arrive early enough to go t hrough screening . We appreciate you . Warm ly, Shannon Shannon 0. Royce, Esq., Director B == == I Partnershiplogotransparent Center for Faith Based &Neighborhood Partnerships X OCR_LogoType_ 4C_ Vert_box January 18 Event: HHS Announcement of New Division on Conscience and Religious Freedom The following information is strictl y confidential , close hold, and subject to change . On January 18, 20 18, HHS will announce the establishment of a new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division within its Office for Civil Rights specializing i11enforcemen t of and compliance with laws that protect consc ience and free exercise of religion, and that prohibit coercion and discrimination . /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000005 HHS is taking a leading role in implementing President Trump 's Executive Order on Free Speech and Religious Liberty and the Department of Justice's Religiou s Liberty Guidan ce . Please join Acting Secretary Harga□, Leader McCarthy, Rep. Hartzler, and specia l guest s as we celebrate this important milestone. -This Invitation is Non-Transferable- What : Stakeholder call Date: Wednesday , January 17, 2018, 5-5:30 pm ET (To join on th is call, pl ease RSVP no later than January 16 at 5 pm ET by emailin g Arina Gros su, arina.gro ssu@hhs.gov ) Main Event: What: HHS Announcement of New Division on Conscience and Religious Freedom Date: Thursday , January 18, 2018 , 10 :30-11 :30 am ET Location: HHS Auditorium, First Floor 200 I_n_dependei:ice A venu_e, SW Hubert H. Humphr ey Bldg. Washington, DC 2020 1 Congressional Speakers : *Rep. Kevin McCarthy , Hou se Majority Leade r *Rep. Vicky Hartzler , Co-Chair of House Values Action Team Sen. James Lankford , R-OK HHS Speakers: *Eric Hargan , HHS Acting Secretary *Roger Severino , Director of the Office for Civi l Rights at HHS. Leadership Speakers: *Monts e Alvarado, Exec utive Director of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty *Rabbi Mitchell Rocklin , President of th e Jewish Coa lition for Religious Liberty , an Arm y Nat iona l Guard Chaplain, and a member of the Rabbinical Co uncil of Amer ica's Exec utive Com mittee *Dr. Everett Piper , Pre sident of Oklahoma Wesleyan University. *Asma Uddin , Fellow, Initiative on Security and Religious Freedom at UCLA ; founder of AltMus limab. *Confirmed. This event will be livestreamed at www.hbs .gov/live and open to the press. /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000006 (If you would like to attend this event at HHS , please RSVP no later than January 16 at 5 prn ET by emailing your name and affiliation to Arina Grossu, arina.grossu@hhs.gov . Plea se bring a U.S. government-issued ID with you.) Sent from my mobile device . Please excuse any informalities or errors. Sender: Recipient : Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR) (CTR) Sent Date: 2018/01/16 21:33:47 Delivered Date: 2018/01/16 21:34:13 /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000007 From: Vincent DiCaro To: Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR) (CTR) Subject: Re: Special Invitation Date: 20 18/01/16 10:08:30 Priority: Norma l Type: Note Arina, I will try my best to be on the call. 5 can be tough for me with kid pick up, etc. Vince Vincent DiCaro Chi 'l t '111n , 1d1 0 U/11< tr Care Net 44180 Riverside Parkway, Ste. 200 Lansdowne, VA 20176 V: 703-554-874 I F: 703-554-8735 E: vdicaro@carc-nct.org W: carc-nct.or g Followus: f @inspirelifenow /carenet .. 6 0·:3 ,, 1 Sign up for Care Net's biogs .. 1 I_. ' •~~ -- .. ....- - 1:v .·E:S:: . - . ---- 0 - • .;; C - ~ --- On Fri, Jan 12, 2018 at 5:08 PM, Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR) (CTR) wrote: Vince, Great! Will you be on both the call and at event? Cheers, Alina /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000008 Ari na O. Grossu Outreach Advisor ( Contractor) Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Health &Human Services 200 Independence Ave. S.W . Washington, D.C. 20201 Arina .Grossu@hhs.gov Phone: (202) 774-3009 From: Vincent Dicaro [mailto :vdicaro@care-net.org ] Sent: Friday, January 12, 2018 5:05 PM To: Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR) (CTR) Subject: Fwd: Special Invitation Arina , I will attend . Vince Vincent DiCaro Cltr r Om uach Otf1c ° Care Net 44180 Riverside Parkway. Ste . 200 Lansdowne, VA 20176 V: 703-554-8741 F: 703-554-8735 /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000009 E: vdicaro@care-net.org W: care-net.erg Followus: f /carcnct @inspirclifcnow Sign up for Ca re I et's biogs . 'Z A lr2A ~ ~I :,-, -,1,1,--, s·-;--60...-1,i =till .. '--~J Y··~.:._·~_, [Aoundant -- -=-IFE::____ ---------- Forwarded message---------From: Royce, Shannon (OS/CFBNP) Date: Fri, Jan 12, 2018 at 3 :25 PM Subject: Special Invitation To: "mi tch. boersma@cicdc.org " , "halvare@gmu.edu " , "reggielittlejohn@gmail.com " , "Maggie l 960Gallagher@gmail.com " , "robertoscarlopez@gmail.com " , "gplaster@lozierinstitute.org " , "eschmi tz@sbalist.org " , "MSwearingen@usccb.org " , "GSchleppenbach@usccb.org " , "donna@aaplog.org " , "jennifer. lahl@cbc-network.org " , "saden@adflegal.org " , "dprentice@lozierinstitute.org " , "cmattox@adflegal.org " , "vdicaro@care-net.org " , "gbay lor@adflegal.org " , "ktheriot@adflegal.org '' , "jpopik@nrlc.org " , "achristensen@sba-list.org " , "KristanHawkins@StudentsforLife.org " , "twhittington@studentsforlife.org " , "jeannefmancini@marchforlife.org " , "pbreen@thomasmoresociety.org " , "lila 1rose@gmail.com " , "david.daleiden@gmail.com " , "dickerson@cathmed.org " , "djhobgyn20 l2@gmail.com " , "garrett@jameswilsoninstitute.org " , "Brandi@stantonhealthcare.org " , "jromea@zephyr.org " , "judyromea@gmail.com " , "laurenmerz@liveaction.org " /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000010 X OCR_LogoType_ 4C_ Vert_box January 18 Event: HHS Announcement of New Division on Conscience and Religious Freedom The following information is strictly confidential, dose hold, and subject to change. On January 18, 2018, HHS will announce the establishment of a new Conscienc e and Religiou s Freedom Division within its Office for Civil Rights specializing in enfo rcement of and compl iance with laws that protect consc ience and free exerc ise of religion , and that prohibit coercion and discrimination. HH S is taking a lead ing role in implementing President Trump ' s Execut ive Order on Free Speech and Reli gious Liberty and the Department of Justice's Religiou s Liberty Guidance. Plea se join Acting Secretary Hargan, Leader McCarthy, Rep. Hai1zler, and special gues ts as we celebra te this important mile stone . -This Invitation is Non-Transferable- /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000011 What: Stakeholder call Dat e: Wednesda y, January 17. 2018 , 5-5:30 pm ET (To join on this ca11, please RSVP no later than January l6 at 5 pm ET by emai ling Anna Grossu , arina.grossu@hhs.gov ) Main Event: What: HRS Announcement of New Division on Conscience and Religious Freedom Date : Thursday , January 18, 2018, 10:30-11:30 am ET Location : HHS A uditori um , First Floor 200 Independence Avenue . SW Hub ert H. Humphr ey Bldg. Was hington, DC 2020 1 Congressional Speaker s : *Rep. Kevin McCarthy , Ho use Maj ority Leader *Rep. Vicky Hartzler, Co -Chair of Hou se Values Action Team Sen. Jam es Lankford, R-OK HHS Speakers: *Eric Hargan , HHS Acting Secretary *Rog er Severino, Director of the Office for C iviJ Rights at HHS. /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000012 Leadership Speakers: *Montse Alvarado , Executive Director of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty *Rabbi Mitchell Rocklin , President of the Jewish Coalition for Religious Liberty , an Army National Guard Chaplain, and a member of the Rabbinical Council of America's Executive Comm ittee *Dr. Everett Piper , Pres ident of Oklahoma Wesleyan University. *Asma Uddin, Fe llow , Initiative on Security and Religious Freedom at UCLA; founder of AltMuslimah. *Confirmed. This event will be livestream ed at www.hhs.gov/livc and open to the press. (If yo u would like to attend this event at HHS, please RSVP no later than January 16 at 5 pm ET by emai ling your name and affiliation to Arina Grossu, arina .grossu @hhs .gov . Please bring a U.S. government-issued ID with you.) Sender: Vincent DiCaro Recipient: Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR) (CTR) Sent Date: 2018/01/16 10:07:30 Delivered Date: 2018/01/16 10:08:30 /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000013 Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR)(CTR) To: Eric Schmitz CC: Genevieve Plaster Subject: RE: Timely update to event invitation Date: 2018/01/ 17 17:01:00 Priority : Normal Type: Note Got it. Cheers, Arina Ar ina 0. Grossu Outreach Advisor (Contractor) Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Health &Human Services 200 Independence Ave. S. W. Washington, D.C. 20201 Arina.Grossu@hhs .gov Phone: (202) 774-3009 From : Eric Schmitz [mailto :eschmitz@sba-list .org ] Sent : Wednesday, January 17, 2018 4 :57 PM To: Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR) (CTR) Cc: Genevieve Plaster Subjec t: FW: Timely update to event invitat ion I'll be there tomorrow w ith Genevieve Plaster. Thank you! Eric Eric Schm itz Legislative Director, Susan B. Anthony List eschmitz@sba-list.org I 202-223-8073 I sba-list .org © https://www.sba-list.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/e-sig-tb.jpg @ https: //www.sba-list.org/wp-content/uploads/ @ ®ii 2016 / 03/ e-sig-tw. jpg https://www.sba-list.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/e-sig-ig.jpg ttps://www.sba-list .org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/e-sig-yt /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT .jpg HHS-18-0485-A-000014 From: Royce, Shannon (OS/CFBNP)fmailto:Shannon.Royce@hhs.gov ] Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2018 1:21 PM To: Royce, Shannon (OS/CFBNP) Subject : Timely update to event invitation Friends, Great news! The event tomorrow has had such significant response that we are moving to the Great Hall. This means you are free to share the invitation with your team since we now have more room for you . Please have them reply to Arina Grossu at Arina.Grossu@hhs.gov so their name will be on the security list. Also, please arrive early since we so many people will need to get through security screening. See you tomorrow. Warm ly, Shannon X I: OCR_LogoType_ 4C_ Vert_box January 18 Event: HHS Announcement of New Division on Conscience and Religious Freedom The following information is sh ·ictly confidential , close hold, and subject to change . On January 18, 2018, HHS will announce the establishment of a new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division within its Office for Civil Rights spec ializing in enforcement of and compliance with laws that protect conscience and free exercise of religion , and that prohibit coercion and disciirnination. /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000015 HHS is taking a leading role in implementing President Trump 's Executive Order on. Free Speec h and Religious Liberty and the Department of Justice's Religiou s Liberty Guidance. Pl ease join Acting Secretary Hargan , L eader McCarthy , Rep. Hart zler, and special gues ts as we celebrate this important milestone. -Please share this InvitationMain Event : What: HHS Annou.ncement of New Division on Conscience and Religious Freedom Date: Thursday, January 18, 2018, 10:30-11:30 am ET Location: TI1e Great Hall, First Floor 200 Independence Aven ue, SW Hubert H. Humphrey Bld g. Washington, DC 202 01 -Congressional Speakers: *Rep. Kevin McCarthy, House Majority Leader *Rep. Vicky Hartzler , Co-Chair of House Values Action Team * Sen . James Lankford, R-OK HHS Speak ers: *Eric Hargan, HHS Acting Sec retary *Roger Severino , Director of the Office for Civ il Rights at HHS . Leadership Speakers: *Montse Alvarado , Executive Dir ector of the Becket Fund for R eligio us Liberty *Rabbi Mitchell Rocklin , President of the Jewi sh Coa lition for Reli gio us Lib erty , an Army Na tiona l Guard Chaplain, and a member of the Rabbinical Co uncil of Amer ica 's Execu tive Committee *Dr. Everett Piper, President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University. *Asma Uddin, Fe llow, Initi ative on Security and Religious Freed om at UCLA; found er of A ltMu slimah. *Confirmed. This event wilJ be livestreamed at www.hhs.gov/live and open to the press. (If you wo uld like to attend this event at HI-IS, please RSVP by ema iling your name and affi liation to Ar ina Grossu , arina.grossu @hhs .gov . Please bring a U.S. govert1ment-issued ID with yo u.) • Grossu,Arina (HHS/OCR)(CTR) /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000016 Recipient : Er ic Schmitz ; Genevieve Plaster Sent Date : 2018/01/17 17:01:21 Delivered Date: 2018/01/17 17:0 1:00 /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000017 Non Responsive Reoord I Small logo From: Matthew Kacsmaryk [mailto:mkacsm aryk@fir stliberty.org] Sent : Wednesday, April 11, 2018 1:41 AM To: Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR) (CTR) Cc: Lisa Ezell ; Sarah Landeene ; Diane Kozub Subject : ATTACHED: Letter Invitation to Senior Advisor Justin Butterfield/ Federalist Society's 2018 Texas Chapters Conference Importance: High Ms. Grossu, On the recommend ation of th e National Office and Texas Law ye rs Chapter s of The Federalist Society, I have attached an electronic PDF copy of the letter invitin g OCR Senior Advisor Justin Butterfield to participate in /\Mlf ll Al\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000018 the Religious Liberty and Conscience Rights CLE panel at the 2018 Texas Chapters Confetence. See Attachment As noted in tbe attached letter, Justice Cla rence Thomas has graciously agreed to serve as the Keynote Lecnirer and will thereby inaugura te the GregotJI S. Coleman Memorial Lecture Series: https: // fedsoc .org/events /2018-texas-chapters-conference- I We look forward to seeing Mr. Butterfield in downtown Cowtownl Matthew Kacsmaryk Deputy General Counsel 0. 972--941-4444 d. 972 -941-445 4 f. 972-941 ~4457 Mkacsma1yk@firstliberty.org FlRST -1111 fI LIBE RTY First Liberty Logo CONF IDENTI A LITY NOTICE: TI1is e lectrnnic mail message and any accompanying documents con tain information belonging to the sender which is confidential and legally privileg ed. This infonnation is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom it was sent as indicated above. lfyou are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or action taken in reliance on the conten ts oftbe information contained in this electronic mail message fa strictly prohibited. If you have rece ived this message in en-or, please delete it immediately, and call (972-941-4444) to advise me that you received it. Thank you. PR IVILEGED AND CON FIDENTIALATTORNEY C LIENT COMMUNICATION /ATTORNEY WORK PRODUCT Non Responsive Record /\MEf ll Al\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000019 Grossu,Arina (HHS/OCR)(CTR) To: Vincent Dicaro Subj ect: RE: Special Invitation Date: 2018/01/16 11:37:00 Priority : Normal Type: Note Vince, Ok . If you're able to call in it 's"'Kb-'-)("6..,_ '-) ___ event on Thursday? _.I,pass code l(b)(6) ~ Are you planning on attending the Cheers, Arina Arina O. Grossu Outreach Advisor (Contractor) Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Health &Human Services 200 Independence Ave. S. W. Washington, D.C. 20201 Ar ina.Gro ssu@hhs .gov Phone: (202) 774 -3009 From: Vincent Dicaro [mailto:vdicaro@care-net.org] Se nt : Tuesday, January 16, 2018 10:08 AM To : Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR) (CTR) Subject: Re: Special Invitation Arina, I will try my best to be on the call. 5 can be tough for me with kid pick up , etc. Vince Vincent DiCaro U er nutrewrote : Vince, Great! W ill you be on both the call and at event? Cheers, Arina Arina 0 . Grossu Outreach Advisor (Contractor) Office for Civil Rights U.S . Department of Health &Human Services 200 Independence Ave. S.W. Washington. D.C. 20201 Arina.Grossu@hhs.gov Phone: (202) 774-3009 From : Vincent DiCaro [mai lto :vdicaro@care-net .org ] Sent: Friday, January 12, 2018 5:05 PM To: Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR) (CTR) Subject : Fwd: Special Invitation Arina , I will attend . Vince Vin cent DiC aro Gh1ef Outreac/, Uff1cer G Care Net 44180 Riverside Parkway, Ste. 200 Lansdowne . VA 20176 V: 703-554-8741 F: 703-554-8735 E: vdicaro@care-net.org W: care-net.orq /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000021 What: Stakeholder caU Date: Wednesda y, Januar y 17, 2018, 5-5:30 pm ET (To j oin on this call, pl ease RSVP no later than January 16 at 5 pm ET by emailing Arina Gross u, arina.grossu@hhs.gov ) Main Event: What: HHS Announcement of New Division on Consci ence and Religious Freedom Date: Thursd ay, Janu ary 18, 2018, 10:30-11:30 am ET Location: HH S Auditorium, First Floor 200 Independence A venue, SW Hubert H . Hum phrey Bldg. Washington, DC 20201 Congressional Speakers: *Rep . Ke vin McCarthy , House Major ity Leade r *Rep. Vicky Hartzle r, Co-Cha ir of House Values Action Team Sen. James Lankford , R-OK HHS Speakers: *Eric Hargan , HHS Acting Secretary *Roger Severino , Director of the Office for Civil Rights at HHS . Leadership Speakers: *Montse Alvarado , Exec utive Director of the Becket Fund for Religious Libetiy *Rabbi Mitchell Rocklin , President of the Jewish Coalition for Relig ious Li berty, an Army National Guard Chaplain, and a membe r of the Rabb inical Council of Arnerica' s Executive Comm ittee *Dr. Everett Piper, President of Oklahoma Wesleya n Unive rsity. *Asma Uddin, Fellow, Initiative on Security and Religious Freedom at UCLA; founder of AltM uslimab. *Confi rmed. This event will be livestream ed at www.hhs.gov/live and open to the press. (If yo u wou ld like to attend this event at IIl-IS, please RSVP no later than January 16 at 5 pm E T by ema iling your name and affiliation to Ar ina Grossu, arina.grossu@hhs.gov . Please bring a U.S. governmen t-issued ID with you.) • Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR)(CTR) /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000022 Recipient: Vincent DiCaro Sent Date: 2018/01/16 11:37: 14 Delivered Date: 2018/01/16 11:37:00 /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000023 Grossu,Arina (HHS/OCR)(CTR) To: Greg Schleppenbach Subject: RE: Special Invitation Date: 2018/01/16 13:25:00 Priority : Normal Type: Note Hi Greg, Great ! I have you down for both the call and the event . The call- in for tomorrow pass code l(b)(6) I )~(6~ ) ___ is: -l Subject : RE: Special Invitation Arina , Change of plans . I will be attend ing th is event after all. No one else from here (except possibly Melissa Swea ringen who RSVPd) can attend so I' ll be there . Greg Schleppenbach Associat e Directo r Secret ariat of Pro-Life Activities United States Conference of Catho lic Bishops From : Greg Schl eppe nb ach Se nt: Tuesday, January 16, 2018 9: 27 AM /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000024 To: 'arina.grossu@hhs.gov' Subject: RE:Special Invitation Arina, I'll be on the call tomorrow but unfortunately cannot attend the meeting on Thursday due to our ProLife Leadership Mass. Thanks for the invite! Greg Schleppenbach Associate Director Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities United States Conference of Catholic Bishops From: Royce, Shannon (OS/CFBNP)fmailto:Shannon.Royce@hhs.gov ] Sent : Friday, January 12, 2018 3:26 PM To: mitch.boersma@cicdc.org ; halvare@gmu.edu ; reggielittlejohn@gmail.com ; Maggie1960Gallagher@gmail.com ; robertoscarlopez@gmail.com ; gplaster@lozierinstitute.org ; eschmitz@sba-l ist.org ; Melissa (Silvers) Swearingen ; Greg Schleppenbach ; donna@aap log.org ; jennifer.lahl@cbc-network.org ; saden@adflegal.org ; dprentice@lozierinstitute.org ; cmattox@adflegal.org ; vdicaro@care-net.org ; gbaylor@adflegal.org ; kther iot@adflega l.org ; jpopik@nrlc .org ; achristensen@sba-list.org ; eschmitz@sba-list.org ; KristanHawkins@StudentsforLife.org ; twhittington@studentsforlife.org ; jeannefmancini@marchforlife .org; pbreen@thomasmoresociety.org ; lilalrose@gmail.com ; david.daleiden@gmail .com; dickerson@cathmed.org ; djhobgyn2012@gmail.com ; garrett@jameswilsoninstitute.org ; Brandi@stantonhealthcare.org ; jromea@zephyr.org ; judyromea@gmail.com ; laurenmerz@liveaction.org ; sgustafson@cbhd.org ; hjc@haroldcassidy.com ; jrz@haroldcassidy.com ; pcunningham@cbhd.org ; donovangk@georgetown.edu ; tabitha@eagleforum.org ; JRaganl@aol.com ; rschwarzwald@regent .edu; cdonovan@lozierinstitute.org ; patrick@ncose.com ; Dawn.Dettling@gmail .com ; ryan@theradiancefoundat ion.org ; jsedlak@all.org; Orlando.C.Snead.l@nd.edu ; jasonzjones@gmail.com ; gary.bauer@amvalues .org; doriev@amvalues.org ; wesley@discovery .org; helen@chiaroscuroinstitute.org ; wiliam .saunders@aul.org ; wmweber@aclj-dc.org ; nifla@aol.com ; aoconnor@nifla .org; cateici@gmail .com; tjwhiteop@gmail.com ; wsmith@colsoncenter.org ; Andrew .Walther@KofC.org ; tomf48@gmail.com ; rgeorge@princeton .edu; pat.fagan@gmail .com; carrie.sever ino@gmail.com ; NTNikas@aol.com ; maryricehasson@gmail.com ; krdaniels@ver izon.net ; jennifer@culture-of-life .org; alana@alananewman.com ; KFiedorek@adflegal.org ; Dbordlee@gmail.com ; MHilliard@ncbcenter .org; meg@chiaroscuroinstitute.org ; ovide .lamontagne@aul.org ; bduggan38@gmail .com; JGodsey@Heartbeat lnternational .org; evangeline.bartz@aul.org ; andy.moore@aul.org ; bomorchoe@studentsforlife .org; revmahoney@aol .com ; abbykp@hotmail .com ; bethanygoodman@marchforlife.org ; evangeline.bartz@aul.org ; mforr@adw.org ; Anthony Picarello ; m.herrmann@arlingtondiocese .org ; megan.mccrum@mail .house.gov; tonylau inger@okforlife.org ; jdys@firstliberty.org ; hsasser@firstliberty.org ; mberry@firstl iberty.org ; brantley.star r@texasattorneygeneral.gov ; cherylsullenger@gmail.com ; Krdaniels@verizon.net; avitale@becketlaw.org ; tchandler@adflegal.org ; Hillary Byrnes ; fiorentinok@adw.org ; eugene@priestsforl ife.org Subject: Special Invitation /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000025 Friends, Below please accept our inv itation to jo in a special stakeholder call and attend a special meet ing. Please note this information is strictly confidentia l and the invitat ions are not transfe rable. You w ill wa nt to arrive early enough to go through screening. We appreciate you . Warmly, Shannon Shannon 0. Royce, Esq., Director I PartnershipLogot ransparent Center for Faith Based &Neighborhood Partnerships X OCR_LogoType_ 4C_ Vert_box January 18 Event: HHS Announcement of New Division on Conscience and Religious Freedom The following information is strictly confidential , close bold, and subject to change. On January 18, 2018 , HHS will announce the establishment of a new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division within its Office for Civil Rights specializing in enforceme nt of and compliance with laws that protect consc ience and free exercise of religion, and that prohibit coercion and discrimination . HHS is taking a leading role in implementing Presiden t Trump 's Execu tive Order on Free Speech and Religious Liberty and the Department of Justice' s Religious Liberty Gu idance. /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000026 Pleas e join Acting Secretary Hargan , Leader McCarthy, Rep. Hartzler, and specia l guests as we celebra te th.is import ant milestone. -This Invitation is Non-Transferable- -Call: What: Stakeholder call Date: Wednesday , Januar y 17 , 2018, 5-5:30 pm ET (To join on this call, please RSV P no later than January 16 at 5 pni ET by ema iling Ari:ml Grossu , arrna.grossu@hhs.gov ) Main Event: What: lffiS Announcement of New Division on Conscience and Religious Freedom Date: Thursday , January 18, 2018 , 10:3.0-11:30 am ET Location: HHS Auditorium, First Floo r 200 Independe nce Avenue, SW Hubert H. Humphrey Bldg. Washington , D C 2020 I Congressional Speakers: *Rep . Kevin McCarthy, Hous e Majority Lead er *Rep. Vicky Hartzler , Co-Cbair of House Values Action Team Sen. James Lankford , R-OK HliS Speakers: *Eric Hargan, HHS Acting Secretary *Roger Severino, Director of the Office for Civ il Right s at HH S. Leadership Speakers: *Moots e Alvarado, Executive Director of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty *Rabbi Mitchell Rocklin, President of th e Jewish Coal ition for Religiou s Libe1ty , an Anny Nat iona l Guard Chaplai n, and a memb er of the Rabbinic al Co uncil of America 's Executive Committee *Dr . Everett Piper, President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University . *Asm a Uddin , Fellow, Initi at ive on Secmity and Reli gious freedom at UCLA; founder of AltM uslimah. *Confirmed. This event will be livestreamed at www.hhs.gov/live and open to the press. /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000027 (If you would like to attend this even t at HHS, please RSVP no later than January 16 at 5 pm ET by emailing your name and affi liation to A rina Grossu, arina.grossu@hhs.gov. Please bring a U.S. government-issued ID with you.) Sender : Grossu,Arina (HHS/OCR)(CTR) Recipient: Greg Schleppenbach Sent Date : 2018/01/16 13:25:25 Delivered Date: 2018/01/16 13:25:00 /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000028 Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR)(CTR) To: GenevievePlaster Subject: RE: RSVP- 1/17 and 1/18 Date: 2018/01/16 14:16:00 Priority: Normal Type: Note Thanks Genevieve! I look forward to seeing you on Thursday. The call-in number is: Kb)(6) ~ pass code ~b)(6) Kb)(6) I ""-'--'---'------' Cheers, Arina Arina 0 . Grossu Outreach Advisor (Contractor) Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Health &Huma n Services 200 Independence Ave . S .W. Washington, D.C . 20201 Arina.Grossu@hhs.gov Phone:(202) 774-3009 From : Genevieve Plaster [mai lto:gplaster@ lozierinstitut e.org] Se nt : Monday , January 15, 2018 2:22 PM To : Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR)(CTR) Subject : RSVP- 1/17 and 1/18 Hi Ar ina, I hope you are well and have enjoyed the start to the new year so far ! I received the excit ing invitation thank you for including me. I'd like to RSVPfor both the call on Weds as well as the main announcement on Thurs. Very much looking forward to it . And congrats again! Genevieve Genevieve Plaster Senior Poli cy Ana lyst Charl ott e Lozi er Insti tute lozi er institu te.org 202-223-8073 Please note our new address : /\Mlf ll Al\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000029 2800 Shirlington Rd Suite 1200 Arlington, VA 22206 Sender : Grossu, Arina (HHS/OCR)(CTR) Recipient: GenevievePlaster Sent Date: 2018/01/16 14:16:54 Delivered Date: 2018/01/16 14:16:00 /\MERICAi\ pVERSIGHT HHS-18-0485-A-000030 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Office of the Secretary Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Washington, D.C. 20201 Case No. 2019-00658-FOIA-OS Case No. 2019-00568-FOIA-OS American Oversight v. HHS, Civil No. 19-435 (D.D.C.) August 26, 2019 (draft) Mr. Austin R. Evers Executive Director American Oversight 1030 15th Street, N.W., Suite B255 Washington, DC 20005 Sent via email: foia@americanoversight.org Dear Mr. Evers: This letter is the fourth and final response to your August 28, 2018, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Specifically, you requested the following records: "All communications between (i) Roger Severino, T. March Bell, Maya Noronha, Arina Grossu, or Louis Brown, and (ii) (ii) any of the individuals or entities listed below: a. Alliance Defending Freedom (adflegal.org) b. Operation Rescue (operationrescue.org) c. Center for Medical Progress (centerformedicalprogress.org) d. Americans United for Life (aul.org) e. Charlotte Lozier Institute (lozierinstitute.org) f. Susan B. Anthony List (sba-list.org) g. Heritage Foundation (heritage.org) h. Heritage Action for America (heritageaction.com) i. Federation for American Immigration Reform (fairus.org) j. Family Research Council (frc.org) k. Concerned Women for America (cwfa.org, concernedwomen.org) l. March for Life (marchforlife.org) m. American Family Association (afa.net, afr.net) n. Life Legal Defense Foundation o. Federalist Society (fedsoc.org) p. American Center for Law and Justice (aclj.org) q. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty (becketlaw.org) r. Liberty Counsel (lc.org) s. First Liberty (firstliberty.org) t. Family Policy Alliance (familypolicyalliance.com) u. Thomas More Society (thomasmoresociety.org) v. Heartbeat International (heartbeatinternational.org) w. Live Action (liveaction.com) x. Care Net (care-net.org) y. Life Dynamics (lifedynamics.com) z. Judicial Crisis Network (judicialnetwork.com) Page 2 of 3 Case No. 2019-00658-FOIA-OS Case No. 2019-00568-FOIA-OS American Oversight v. HHS, Civil No. 19-435 (D.D.C.) aa. Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (erlc.com) bb. U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (usccb.org) cc. National Right to Life Committee (nrlc.org) dd. Priests for Life (priestsforlife.org) ee. Freedom of Conscience Defense Fund (consciencedefense.org) ff. Representative Marsha Blackburn and any members of her staff gg. Troy Newman hh. Cheryl Sullenger ii. David Daleiden jj. Leonard Leo kk. Mark Crutcher ll. Albin Rhomberg mm. Sean Fieler The Department processed 1923 pages of potentially responsive records captured in the agency's search for FOIA request 2019-00658-FOIA-OS. After a careful review of these pages, I have determined that three (3) pages can be released in their entirety. I have determined that 1920 pages are non-responsive to your request. Additionally, the agency reviewed and processed 318 pages of records responsive to FOIA request 2019-00568-FOIA-OS. After careful review of these pages, I have determined to release 187 pages to you in their entirety, and I am further releasing 48 pages in part, with portions redacted, pursuant to Exemptions (b)(2), (b)(5), and (b)(6) of the FOIA (5 U.S.C. ?552 (b)(2), (b)(5), and (b)(6)). I have also determined to withhold 83 pages in their entirety, pursuant to Exemption (b)(2), (b)(5), and (b)(6) of the FOIA (5 U.S.C. ?552 (b)(2), (b)(5), and (b)(6)). FOIA exemption (b)(2) permits the withholding of records that are related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency. FOIA exemption (b)(5) protects inter-agency or intra-agency memoranda or letters which would not be available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation with the agency. This exemption protects documents that would be covered by any privilege an agency could assert in a civil proceeding. These privileges include, among others, the deliberative process privilege, the attorney-client privilege, and the attorney work-product privilege. In this instance, the deliberative-process privilege applies. Page 3 of 3 Case No. 2019-00658-FOIA-OS Case No. 2019-00568-FOIA-OS American Oversight v. HHS, Civil No. 19-435 (D.D.C.) FOIA exemption (b)(6) permits a Federal agency to withhold information and records about individuals in "personnel and medical files and similar files, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy." The definition of "similar files" has historically been broadly interpreted to include a wide variety of files, and the United States Supreme Court has held that Congress intended the term "similar files" to be interpreted broadly, rather than narrowly. I have analyzed these records and find they meet the threshold requirement of this exemption. Additionally, I have reviewed and weighed the public interest in disclosure of this information against the privacy interest in nondisclosure, and found that the privacy interest outweighs the public's interest in disclosure. Should you have questions or concerns regarding the Department's response and\or the processing of your request, any such issues should be communicated to your legal counsel and Department of Justice Attorney representing the Department in this matter. Sincerely yours, Brandon J. Gaylord Supervisory Government Information Specialist and HHS FOIA/PA Public Liaison From: Laura Flint To: Severino, Roger (HHS/OCR) Subject: Than k you Date: 20 17/12/0117:40:28 Priority: Norma l Type: Note Dear Mr. Seve rino, We are so grateful you could join us for the 20 17 National Lawye rs Conventi on. Please find attached a copy of a thank you letter from Dean we have placed in the mail today. I have also attached a form for submitt ing any expenses related to your convention participation. Thank you again. Sincerely, Laura Flint Laura Flint Deputy Director , Practice Groups The Federal ist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies 1776 I St. NW Suite 300 I Washington, DC 20006 Phone : (202) 822-8 138 I Fax: (202) 296-8061 Email: laura.fl intlnlfedsoc.ora Sender: Laura Flint Recipient: Severino, Roger (HHS/OCR) Sent Date: 2017/12/0117 :39:38 Deliver ed Date: 2017/12/0117 :40:28 HHS 2019-00658-000001 HHS-18-0485-B-000001 T HE F E D E RALI ST SocIETY fe d soc.o rg 1776 I St NW o Su ite #300 Was hing t on, DC 20006 PHON E FAX (202) 822-8 138 (202) 296-8061 December 1, 20 17 Mr . Roger Sever ino Directo r Office of C ivil Rights U.S. De partmen t of Health & Hu man Services 200 Independence Avenue, S .W. Washington , D .C. 20201 Dear Mr. Seve rino, Th ank you very much fo r par ticipa tin g in our 20 17 Nat io nal Lawyers Co nventio n. Every year, the NLC is the signa tur e event of the Lawy ers Di vision, and it was wo nderful to have yo u as a panelis t. This year' s NLC was the largest eve r, we rece ived great review s fro m atte ndees, and the success we enjoyed was only made poss ible by your important cont ributions. Please note that videos of all pan el pre senta tions and addre sses are now available for view ing on our website at www.f ed-soc .org. If you incurred any exp enses related to attending the NL C, p lease send the attac hed form and yo ur pertinent recei pts to our Director of Confe rences, Juli Nix at ju li.nix@fed soc .org. Aga in, than k you for you r time and valuable expe rtise, as we co uld not have delivered suc h a substantive and enjoyable conventio n without you. Sincerely, Dean A. Reuter Genera l Counsel, Vice President and Practice Groups Director HHS 2019-00658-000002 HHS-18-0485-B-000002 Tue FEDERALIST SOCIETY fedsoc.org 1776 I St NW o Suite #300 Washington, DC 20006 PHONE FAX (202) 822-8138 (202) 296-8061 PRACTICEGROUPSREIMBURSEMENTFORM Name: Date of Claim: Event: Total Claimed: $ Please make the check payable to: Please mail the check to (address) : For Federalist Society use only: Article I D Law and Innovation National Lawyers Convention D Date of Form: HHS 2019-00658-000003 D Practice Groups D HHS-18-0485-B-000003