By Kyeland Jackson —

U of L faculty and staff have requested the Board of Trustees, removed Friday by Governor Matt Bevin’s executive order, file an injunction against their removal. The injunction would effectively block Bevin’s order, leaving the current board in place.

Reported by the Courier-Journal, the letter requesting the injunction says the board should be free of possible political influence and have a policy of removing members for good reasons under fair processes.

“The Governor’s executive orders violate both of these standards of accreditation and therefore place the University of Louisville’s accreditation in jeopardy,” the letter said.

Philosophy Department Chair David Owen said he and other faculty members hope Attorney General Andy Beshear will file a motion for an injunction, and are considering filing one themselves.

Previous board chairman Larry Benz declined to comment.

Bevin’s order Friday shocked the state, as he dissolved the current board and revealed President James Ramsey’s possible resignation as university president. Board members were as shocked as the community was, revealing they were not notified before the order was publicly made.

“I’m very hopeful that games are not being played here,” trustee Craig Greenberg said the afternoon of Bevin’s announcement.

The legality of the governor’s order has been questioned since the surprise announcement. State Senator Morgan McGarvey called Bevin’s actions “an incredible overreach,” and said they break state laws regarding board appointments.

Bevin’s actions are in conflict with KRS 164.821, a state law requiring 17 governor-appointed trustees and representatives for faculty, staff and students, and requiring a cause for removing board members along with a counsel hearing on it.

Attorney General Andy Beshear’s office is currently investigating the issue.

letter to BOT_June21

This story will be updated.