Lexington Lawsuit: Kentucky Kernel Fights University of Kentucky for Access to Rape Case Records

Lexington Lawsuit: Kentucky Kernel Takes On University Over Rape Case Records

In Lexington, Kentucky, the Kentucky Kernel has filed a lawsuit against the University of Kentucky (UK) for failing to provide requested records related to a serious criminal case involving an alleged rape and strangulation incident involving a UK student. The legal action was initiated on November 25 in Fayette County Circuit Court.

What Led to the Lawsuit

The lawsuit stems from an incident that took place on September 20, 2024, when a UK student was reportedly raped and strangled in her dormitory, Chellgren Hall. Following the allegations, police arrested a man named Chase McGuire, who is not affiliated with the university. McGuire faces multiple serious charges, including five counts of 1st degree rape and one count of 1st degree strangulation (attempted).

Request for Records

On October 2, Kernel Editor-in-Chief Abbey Cutrer submitted an open records request seeking details about non-UK students who entered Chellgren Hall on the day of the incident, as well as any records that noted McGuire’s entry into UK residence halls during the current academic year. However, UK’s Open Records Office denied this request on October 10.

In response to the denial, Cutrer appealed for reconsideration, arguing that the public has a strong interest in accessing this information, which she believes overshadowed any privacy rights that might be claimed.

UK’s Defense

According to the university’s motion, it contends that the privacy rights of non-student guests prevent disclosure of any sign-in logs from residence halls. Moreover, UK argues that such records are classified as “preliminary” and therefore fall outside the purview of the Open Records Act.

The Open Records Act of Kentucky is designed to uphold the public’s right to access important public records. However, the Kentucky Kernel’s lawsuit maintains that UK’s reasoning is legally inadequate, claiming the university has a lawful duty to provide the requested information.

Historical Context

This lawsuit is not a first for the Kentucky Kernel in its battle with the University of Kentucky over transparency and access to records. In 2021, the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Kernel in a protracted legal dispute regarding records related to another sexual assault case, requiring the university to release pertinent documents.

Next Steps

The current legal battle will progress as UK has 20 days to respond to the lawsuit. The outcome could have significant implications for both the university’s policies regarding public records and the broader issue of campus safety and transparency.

This lawsuit presents a critical intersection of legal rights, public interest, and institutional accountability in the context of serious criminal allegations at a university setting.