Chapter 2: The Records Battle¶
Update: Federal Lawsuit Filed
Kevin Bass has filed suit in federal court. For the latest, see Court Filings and The Paper Trail.
Status: Active Dispute
Timeframe: October 2025 – Present Key Question: Why won't the university release the full hearing record?
After his dismissal, Kevin Bass wanted to answer a simple question: What exactly does the official record say?
To find out, he used two powerful laws: 1. TPIA (Texas Public Information Act): Like the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), this gives the public the right to see government records. 2. FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): A federal law that guarantees students the right to inspect their own education records.
What should have been a routine administrative process turned into a months-long standoff.
The "Look But Don't Touch" Policy¶
When Kevin Bass formally requested his file—specifically the video and transcript of his dismissal hearing—the university didn't simply mail a copy.
Instead, they offered "in-person inspection sessions." - He could come to a room. - He could look at the documents under supervision. - He was not allowed to make copies.
This created a catch-22: He needs the evidence to prove the record is inaccurate, but he isn't allowed to have a copy of the evidence to show anyone.
The Cost of Transparency¶
For the public records (TPIA), the university provided cost estimates that Kevin Bass contends are excessive and designed to discourage access. As of December 2025, the university has yet to produce the core documents requested.
"Transparency shouldn't have a price tag that makes it impossible for a student to clear their name."
The Core Dispute¶
What Everyone Agrees Happened¶
- Kevin Bass filed legal requests for his records in October 2025.
- The university acknowledged the requests but has not released the full hearing video or transcript.
- The university offered supervised "viewing only" sessions for thousands of pages of documents.
- Kevin Bass filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.
What Is Disputed¶
- Access: Is "viewing only" enough to satisfy federal law (FERPA)?
- Cost: Are the fees charged for public records reasonable or obstructive?
- Completeness: Have all relevant records actually been preserved?
Key Evidence¶
| Date | Document | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 19, 2025 | DOE Complaint | Formal complaint to the U.S. Dept. of Education regarding record access. |
| Oct 09, 2025 | AG Referral | Request for the Texas Attorney General to rule on the withheld records. |
| Dec 12, 2025 | Inspection Session | The first "viewing only" session (approx. 1 hour). |