Rock Hill, South Carolina, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Christopher Hagins, former General Counsel of Winthrop University, has filed a lawsuit against the university’s board, alleging violations of South Carolina’s open meetings law and governance rules. He claims the board conducted secret votes on significant financial issues, violating both state laws and university bylaws. Hagins argues that some board members exceeded term limits, raising concerns about the validity of their decisions. This legal action follows his termination in 2024 after he raised compliance issues. The university has denied the allegations and is preparing a defense.
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Christopher “Todd” Hagins, the former General Counsel of Winthrop University, has initiated legal action against the university’s board of trustees, claiming multiple violations of South Carolina’s open meetings law and other governance missteps. The lawsuit was filed on September 7, 2025, and alleges that the board has been operating with a lack of transparency regarding financial matters that should be publicly disclosed.
Hagins contends that the board engaged in secret votes regarding important issues such as public spending, contracts, and tuition fees. He points to 27 violations of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, along with two breaches of Winthrop’s own bylaws. He argues that these actions are in direct violation of the regulations set to ensure accountability at a public institution that relies on taxpayer funding.
At the heart of the lawsuit is the assertion that some board leaders have exceeded the six-year term limits outlined in Winthrop’s bylaws. Hagins raises concerns that actions taken by these board members, which could involve multimillion-dollar budgets, may be rendered invalid due to this breach of governance rules. He also cites instances where the board entered executive sessions to discuss topics that should have been addressed in public forums, including a recent retreat where critical resolutions were allegedly passed behind closed doors.
This legal challenge follows Hagins’s termination from his position as General Counsel and secretary to the board in September 2024, which he claims was linked to his insistence on adherence to governance standards. Previously, Hagins had voiced concerns about compliance and governance issues within the university prior to his dismissal.
In addition to the allegations surrounding open meetings violations, the lawsuit underscores the dissatisfaction among parents regarding unexpected course fees that contradict earlier statements about tuition reductions. The lack of proper notice and publication of meeting minutes during a December 2024 meeting, where significant financial matters were discussed, further adds to the grounds for Hagins’s suit.
Hagins is seeking to invalidate the board’s officer elections from June 2025 and calls for a re-election of the board’s leadership. The case comes at a time when separate complaints have been lodged with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against Winthrop University’s leadership, alleging racial discrimination and retaliation. One of those complaints, filed by Amy Bailey, alleges a hostile work environment characterized by racial slurs and mistreatment.
Winthrop University has publicly denied all allegations made in the lawsuit and has initiated the hiring of an outside attorney to defend against these claims. The board is expected to respond to Hagins’s serious assertions regarding governance and transparency in the near future.
Background Context
This legal dispute highlights the ongoing tension between university governance and accountability to the public. As a public institution in South Carolina, Winthrop University is required to adhere to specific regulations that govern public meetings and transparency to ensure public trust. The outcomes of this lawsuit could potentially influence not only the governance structure of Winthrop but also set precedents for other state institutions.
FAQ
What allegations has Christopher “Todd” Hagins made against Winthrop University’s board of trustees?
Hagins alleges that the board violated South Carolina’s open meetings law by holding secret votes on public spending, contracts, and tuition. He claims there are 27 violations of the state Freedom of Information Act and two violations of Winthrop’s bylaws.
Why was Christopher “Todd” Hagins terminated from his positions?
Hagins was terminated from his positions as General Counsel and secretary to the board in September 2024 after he raised internal concerns regarding compliance and governance prior to his firing.
What does Hagins’s lawsuit aim to achieve?
The lawsuit seeks to void the board’s June 2025 officer elections and demands new leadership elections, emphasizing the need for transparency in governance.
How has Winthrop University responded to the allegations?
Winthrop University has denied all allegations made in the lawsuit and stated that they had hired an outside attorney to defend against the claims.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Senator Climer Files Lawsuit Against Pay Raise for Legislators
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Winthrop University Lawsuit
- Google Search: Winthrop University Board of Trustees lawsuit
- WSOCTV: Former Counsel Sues Winthrop Board
- Wikipedia: Winthrop University
- Fits News: Winthrop Accused of Racism
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