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AG Seeks to Intervene in WKU Open Records Suit

Andy Beshear, Official Photo

A court hearing this morning will determine if Attorney General Andy Beshear can intervene in a lawsuit between Western Kentucky University and its student newspaper. The College Heights Herald asked to see records relating to sexual misconduct investigations of campus employees. WKU declined to release the documents citing privacy concerns for the victims. But the attorney general says the university can release redacted records and still be transparent. Beshear says the university’s response threatens the underpinnings of the state’s open records law.

"It would allow bad actors to hide documents that are embarrassing or necessary to hold them accountable," Beshear said. "It's truly the silver bullet that would render the KY Open Records Act ineffectual."

WKU also refused to release the records to the A-G’s office for a confidential review to determine if the documents were improperly withheld. WKU President Gary Ransdell says the school will do all it can to protect victims of sexual assault, calling their privacy a fundamental human right.

Lisa is a Scottsville native and WKU alum. She has worked in radio as a news reporter and anchor for 18 years. Prior to joining WKU Public Radio, she most recently worked at WHAS in Louisville and WLAC in Nashville. She has received numerous awards from the Associated Press, including Best Reporter in Kentucky. Many of her stories have been heard on NPR.
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