SACS says UofL Could Now Have Accreditation Issues

The president of the accrediting body for the University of Louisville says Gov. Matt Bevin's move to abolish and replace the board of trustees interfered with the school's authority to make decisions and has raised significant issues with the institution's accreditation.

Belle S. Wheelan, president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, sent a letter to acting University of Louisville President Neville Pinto earlier this month. The letter surfaced in court Friday as part of a lawsuit challenging Bevin's authority to abolish and replace the board of trustees.

In the letter, Wheelan says "the potential for undue political influence in institutional governance appears to be present."

Bevin's attorney, Steve Pitt, said the letter did not raise any issues with the university's compliance with the association's core accreditation standards.