Former PSU Trustee Seeks Payment Of Legal Fees From University

The ongoing legal friction between Barry Fenchak and Pennsylvania State University intensified yesterday as the former trustee returned to court, this time seeking to compel the university to cover his previous legal expenses.  During the hearing, Fenchak’s counsel argued that the university should be held responsible for costs incurred during his prior litigation against the institution.  However, Penn State’s legal team moved quickly to block the momentum of the new suit, filing for a protective order to prevent the deposition of several sitting trustees.  The university’s attorney argued that because the previous lawsuit was settled out of court, Fenchak no longer possesses the legal standing to interrogate board members. Fenchak’s legal team countered by suggesting the university’s resistance stems from a desire to shield trustees from questioning that might expose “personal animosity” toward the former board member.  The judge has yet to rule on the protective order or the request for fees.