Judge Roger Crittenden ruled earlier today (March 6) to grant the plaintiffs’ motion for Summary Judgment in the lawsuit surrounding the constitutionality of a 2006 appropriation made by the General Assembly to the University of the Cumberlands for a pharmacy school. The following is the initial statement on the matter from AIKCU President Gary S. Cox:

We have not had an opportunity to review and study this decision, or for our members to meet and discuss it with legal counsel. We look forward to doing so right away. Many of our members share my strong belief that we are well situated to partner in new ways with the state in meeting job training and workforce development needs. Other states are partnering with their non-profit institutions to meet these needs in very cost-effective ways.

While we were not a party to the lawsuit, we have followed the constitutional issues with interest. If the opportunity arises, we will seriously consider participating in the appellate process to reach a result which will benefit the Commonwealth and our members.

- Gary S. Cox, President
Association of Independent
Kentucky Colleges & Universities

Related press coverage:

State money cannot go to religious school - Kentucky.com

Judge rejects state money for University of the Cumberlands (Courier-Journal.com)An Expensive Expulsion - InsideHigherEd.com

Kentucky Judge Finds State Appropriation to a Baptist University Unconstitutional - Chronicle of Higher Education (for subscribers)