Lexington: Lawsuit Filed Over Dormitory Incident Records

Lexington: Lawsuit Filed Over Dormitory Incident Records

The University of Kentucky (UK) is facing a lawsuit filed by the Kentucky Kernel, the university’s student newspaper, regarding the university’s refusal to release records related to a serious incident that occurred in one of its dorms. The suit was initiated following a request for information regarding a rape and strangulation that was reported in September 2024 in Chellgren Hall.

What Happened

Abbey Cutrer, the editor-in-chief of the Kernel, filed a public records request on October 2. This request sought documents that would clarify whether UK enforced its policies surrounding non-student guests in dorms on the night of the reported crime. The incident involved an individual named Chase McGuire, who was arrested for the alleged offenses against a UK student.

Why the Lawsuit

In her statements, Cutrer emphasized the importance of transparency and the need for students to feel safe on campus. “The records I requested pertain to a serious matter of student safety,” Cutrer declared. She expressed concern that the university was misapplying exemptions to the state open records law in order to deny access to potentially vital information regarding student safety policies.

University’s Response

In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for UK, Whitney Siddiqi, indicated that the university had not yet seen the lawsuit but was confident in their adherence to the law regarding public records. Siddiqi contended that the records requested fell under an exemption because they were part of an ongoing internal investigation.

Continuing the Investigation

The university has classified the sought records as “preliminary,” asserting that they are exempt from production until the internal investigation concludes. Furthermore, Siddiqi argued that the privacy rights of individuals entering the dorms also played a significant role in their decision to deny the request.

Historical Context

This is not the first time the Kentucky Kernel has faced challenges in obtaining public records from the university. In 2016, there was a notable lawsuit over investigation documents linked to a professor’s alleged sexual misconduct. That lawsuit concluded with the Kentucky Supreme Court ruling that UK had violated the open records law and mandated the release of the requested documents.

The Importance of Transparency

The current lawsuit underscores a broader issue regarding the accountability of universities in ensuring student safety. Cutrer expressed her commitment to uncovering the truth, emphasizing, “Our first obligation as journalists is to the truth, and our loyalty is to the people. The students have a right to know if protocols are being followed in dorms.” Her determined stance highlights the responsibilities of the university in safeguarding its students.

Next Steps

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how this legal battle over public records will unfold and what information may eventually come to light regarding the policies in place at the University of Kentucky. The case raises significant questions about the ongoing commitment of educational institutions to transparency and student safety.