Written by Olivia Krauth, Louisville Courier Journal
A federal judge heard the latest legal bout Tuesday between ousted state education board members and the man who axed them, Gov. Andy Beshear.
In a hearing over a motion that could reinstate the old board, Judge Greg Van Tatenhove seemed skeptical that the fight rose to the federal level.
Seven of the former board members are suing Beshear and his board appointees, arguing the governor violated their due process rights when he removed them without cause in December.
Steven Megerle, the former board’s attorney, contends the members were “fired” and deserved a chance to challenge their removal.
“We were terminated from our board positions for purely political reasons and should have been afforded the same protections as our teaching peers,” Gary Houchens, the only former board member with teaching experience, said previously.
Lawsuits involving due process have federal jurisdiction.
But Van Tatenhove questioned whether the board members, who are not paid and not employed by the state, had a right to due process.
(Read the rest at the Courier-Journal)
–30–
Cross-posted via the Kentucky Press News Service.