Media File Lawsuit Over UW Presidential Search

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Several media outlets have filed a lawsuit challenging the secret search for a new president of the University of Wyoming, arguing that the public has the right to know the finalists for the job.

The Casper Star-Tribune, Wyoming Tribune Eagle and The Associated Press filed the lawsuit Monday in state District Court in Laramie.

UW spokesman Chad Baldwin said he could not comment on the specifics of the lawsuit because no one had a chance to see it.

But Baldwin reiterated that the UW board of trustees decided to conduct a confidential search in order to attract candidates who might not apply for the job if their names were made public, and "we believe it is fully in compliance with state law."

UW president Tom Buchanan announced in September that he would retire next year.