Rock Hill, South Carolina, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Former General Counsel of Winthrop University, Christopher Hagins, has filed a lawsuit alleging the university’s board violated South Carolina’s open meetings law. The complaint claims there were secret votes and a lack of transparency in board decisions affecting public spending and educational priorities. Hagins seeks to annul recent board elections and ensure compliance with the law, emphasizing the importance of transparency in governing the institution. The lawsuit raises serious concerns about governance and adherence to legal protocols within Winthrop University.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – Former Winthrop University General Counsel Christopher “Todd” Hagins has filed a lawsuit against the university’s board of trustees, alleging that the board has repeatedly violated South Carolina’s open meetings law. The lawsuit claims secret votes regarding public spending, contracts, and tuition were conducted without proper disclosure.
The legal complaint was filed on September 7 in York County. Hagins asserts that these actions constitute 27 violations of the state’s Freedom of Information Act and two violations of the university’s bylaws. He argues that the board’s lack of transparency threatens the educational mission of the institution, which serves thousands of students and relies on taxpayer funding.
Hagins formerly served as secretary to the board until his termination in September 2024. He emphasized that the focus of the lawsuit is centered on enhancing transparency in a public institution. He criticized the board members for prioritizing “power and construction projects” over their educational responsibilities.
Key allegations in the lawsuit indicate that the board’s leadership, under former Chair Glenn McCall and Vice Chair Kathy Bigham, continued to serve beyond the six-year term limits set forth in the university’s bylaws. This raises questions about the validity of actions taken during their leadership, including tenure votes and large budget decisions.
The lawsuit describes instances where the board is accused of entering executive sessions for purposes not permitted by law. For example, a two-day retreat in February included nearly the entire agenda as “executive session,” leading to votes and presentations that should have been open to the public. Additionally, a December 2024 meeting reportedly discussed major financial items without proper public notice, and meeting minutes were not published.
Following the December meeting, parents expressed discontent regarding new course fees, contradicting earlier statements of tuition reductions. At this meeting, the board approved a new tiered tuition model that lowered costs for most full-time students while increasing fees for part-time students.
Hagins noted that access to records from an October 2024 finance committee meeting was denied, obstructing public insight into crucial discussions. He specifically highlighted the illegitimacy of McCall and Bigham’s extended terms, suggesting their actions could lead to legal challenges against significant resolutions passed by the board.
The lawsuit seeks to annul the board’s June 2025 officer elections and mandate new elections for their leadership positions. Hagins has stated his earlier concerns about term-limit violations were ignored internally, prompting his legal action.
This lawsuit coincides with separate complaints filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission concerning alleged racial discrimination and retaliation at Winthrop. Former employee Amy Bailey has accused the university’s leadership of using racial slurs and fostering an uncomfortable working environment. Hagins has claimed that his termination was a direct result of refusing to change Bailey’s job responsibilities amid her investigations into her allegations.
Both Hagins and Bailey filed EEOC complaints in 2024, with Bailey’s case currently under investigation and Hagins’ undergoing mediation. The complaints involve notable university officials, including President Edward Serna, Vice President for Human Resources Lisa Cowart, and Tammie Phillips.
Winthrop University’s Response
In response to the lawsuit, Winthrop University has denied all allegations and stated it will “vigorously defend the lawsuit” with the assistance of an outside attorney. The university maintains that it adhered to established FOIA processes during Hagins’ time as General Counsel.
Conclusion
As this case unfolds, the implications for governance and transparency at Winthrop University raise significant questions about the integrity of its board and adherence to legal protocols. The focus on educational priorities versus internal disputes continues to surround the institution amidst ongoing legal challenges.
FAQ
What allegations does the lawsuit filed by Hagins entail?
The lawsuit alleges that the board violated South Carolina’s open meetings law through secret votes and failed to disclose public records, resulting in 27 violations of the state Freedom of Information Act and two violations of the university’s bylaws.
What is Hagins seeking through this lawsuit?
The lawsuit seeks to void the board’s officer elections from June 2025 and block actions tied to disputed votes while requiring new leadership elections.
What are the internal issues raised by Hagins prior to his termination?
Hagins raised concerns regarding internal compliance and governance issues, particularly regarding the exceeding of term limits by board members.
What other complaints are associated with Winthrop University?
Separate complaints filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission involve allegations of racial discrimination and retaliation against the university leadership.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Winthrop University Lawsuit
- 4029 TV: Arkansas Freedom of Information Act
- Sportico: Winthrop Intelligence Article
- Post and Courier: Coastal Carolina Presidential Search
- State House Report: University Governing Boards
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