Judge rules UNC-CH can keep report on controversial school secret

A judge has ruled that the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill does not have to release its investigative report on problems at its School of Civic Life and Leadership.

The decision, communicated by Orange County Judge John M. Morris to attorneys Thursday, means the university’s findings on faculty complaints about the controversial school can be kept secret from the public, even though state taxpayers footed the $1.2 million bill for the seven-month investigation and the resulting report.

NC Newsline is one of a group of media organizations who sued the university to force the release of the report, which the outlets argued is a public record. But UNC-CH contended the report contains confidential information, and should therefore be considered exempt from open record laws.

No immediate decision from judge on releasing probe of controversial UNC program

The judge informed attorneys on both sides that he intends to rule in favor of UNC-CH’s motion to have the case dismissed.

“The Court, having concluded the in-camera review of those documents referenced in the motion, having reviewed the court file, Defendants’ motion, legal briefs in support of and in opposition to the motion, and after considering arguments from counsel, GRANTS Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgment,” Morris wrote.

Morris directed attorneys for UNC-CH to draft an order for his consideration.

Attorneys for the media outlets did not immediately comment on the decision or next steps in the case.