University of Wyoming likely to appeal records lawsuit loss

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - A University of Wyoming official says the school will likely appeal a judge’s order to turn over records to news media outlets.

University spokesman Chad Baldwin said Monday the school’s board of trustees hasn’t made a final decision on whether to appeal but “that is the intent at this point.”

Albany County District Court Judge Tori Kricken ruled Friday that the vast majority of records sought by the Casper Star-Tribune and WyoFile should be released though with redactions.

The university withheld records the news outlets sought involving a trustees’ decision not to renew the contract of university President Laurie Nichols in 2019.

The decision took Nichols and many others on campus by surprise and trustees offered no explanation. Nichols’ contract as the university’s first female president expired June 30.

Nichols recently took a job as president of Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota, the Casper Star-Tribune reports.

The Friday order would’ve forced the release of the documents in a matter of weeks but Kricken says the records will continue to be confidential until the University of Wyoming and Nichols can appeal.

Nichols has sided with the university in the case.