FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The Latest on the fight for control of the University of Louisville Board of Trustees (all times local):
10 a.m.
A state judge says Kentucky’s Democratic Attorney General can sue the state’s Republican governor over his decision to abolish the University of Louisville board of trustees.
Republican Gov. Matt Bevin abolished the board and replaced all of its members last month, saying the university needed a “fresh start.” Attorney General Andy Beshear sued Bevin, saying the governor’s order is illegal.
But last year, former Attorney General Jack Conway issued an advisory opinion saying the governor does have the authority to reorganize the university’s board. Chad Meredith, one of Bevin’s attorneys, argued Beshear’s lawsuit directly contradicts that opinion and violates the state’s code of ethics for attorneys.
Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd ruled Thursday morning there was no basis to disqualify the attorney general’s office from suing the governor.
2:45 a.m.
The newly created University of Louisville board of trustees has called a special meeting on the same day a judge is scheduled to hold a hearing about whether the new board is legal.
Republican Gov. Matt Bevin replaced the board with an executive order last month. Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear sued him, arguing the order was illegal. Thursday, Beshear will ask a state judge to block Bevin’s order. It is one of three pending lawsuits pitting Beshear against Bevin.
The new board held its first meeting last week. President James Ramsey offered his resignation, but the board did not act on it. Thursday’s agenda includes the budget and tuition and a closed session to discuss possible litigation and “a business proposal.”