Update: A state judge has denied Republican Gov. Matt Bevin's request to block an expert witness' testimony about the University of Louisville's accreditation.
Bevin abolished and replaced the University of Louisville board of trustees earlier this year. Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear sued him, saying the order was illegal. Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd temporarily blocked Bevin's order, but asked both sides to present testimony from expert witnesses about how Bevin's order would impact the school's accreditation.
Bevin attorney Chad Meredith declined to present an expert witness, and asked Shepherd to block a witness called by Beshear. He said the testimony was not relevant to the issue of whether Bevin has the authority to replace the board.
Shepherd called Bevin's request a "dramatic change in direction" and denied it. The hearing is continuing Thursday morning.
Original Story:
Governor Matt Bevin says a scheduled court hearing on the University of Louisville's accreditation is "pointless" and says he will not present expert testimony as requested by a judge.
Bevin abolished and replaced the University of Louisville board of trustees earlier this year. Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear sued him, saying the order was illegal. Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd temporarily blocked Bevin's order, but asked both sides to present testimony from an expert witness on how Bevin's order would impact the university's accreditation.
Bevin's attorneys notified Shepherd this week they will not present testimony during a scheduled hearing on Thursday and have asked Shepherd to exclude testimony from a witness called by Beshear because it is irrelevant.
Shepherd is scheduled to take up Bevin's request on Thursday.
