Calif. university will allow media at Palin event

(06-18) 20:03 PDT Sacramento, Calif. (AP) --

After months of requests from reporters, a California university has agreed to allow members of the media to attend a fundraiser next week featuring Sarah Palin.

Officials with California State University, Stanislaus said Friday that the June 25 gala at its Turlock campus would be open to the press. The Associated Press has been requesting access to the event since mid-April.

University officials said it was never their intention to keep reporters out of the event.

Palin's appearance has generated widespread coverage and criticism since it was announced in March. The campus has refused to divulge the terms of the former Alaska governor's contract or her speaking fee.

CSU Stanislaus says its foundation handled the negotiations and is legally exempt from public records requirements. Palin has commanded fees as high as $100,000.