Judge Tosses Controversial Regent’s Lawsuit Against U. of Texas System

A state judge has dismissed a lawsuit against the University of Texas system by a regent, Wallace L. Hall Jr., who is seeking access to confidential records related to an investigation of admissions at the Austin flagship. The Austin American-Statesman reports that the judge dismissed the suit on Monday.

According to the newspaper, Mr. Hall, who has led a controversial one-man crusade for transparency at the university for years, is expected to appeal.

“Today’s ruling effectively dismisses the case, though we stand ready to continue to defend our position while Regent Hall appeals this ruling,” said the system’s chancellor, William H. McRaven, in a written statement. “I believe that a regent’s access to information is not above the law, and while I am pleased to provide a regent with the answers and information he or she may seek in order to make informed decisions, I will also continue to protect confidential student information, as required by federal and state law.”

The admissions investigation at issue found that a former president of the Austin campus, William C. Powers Jr., sometimes intervened on behalf of politically connected applicants.