In January, we asked on what legal basis a task force — the "Naming and Symbols Task Force" — established by Western Kentucky University in 2020 to consider changing "problematic" names on the university campus ignored open meetings requirements. The task force conducted its meetings behind closed doors, and now, we learn, asked its members to sign nondisclosure agreements.

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Noting that "there is no exception to the open meetings law that would permit the task force's closed discussion of 'changing problematic names' on the WKU campus," we expressed concern that the University apparently "failed to consider the open meetings implications of public agency discussion of public business, even if the agency is acting in a purely advisory role and has no authority to take action."

In a story posted earlier today, WKUHerald.com staff writer Michael Crimmins" reports:

""The Naming and Symbols Task Force recommended Northeast Hall be renamed to honor the first black female student to attend WKU. They also recommended the names Ogden, Potter and Van Meter, each with historical ties to slave ownership, be removed from all WKU branding.

"President Timothy Caboni announced on Aug. 11 that only Northeast would be renamed.

"Caboni said in his announcement that he could not recommend name changes other than Northeast to the Board of Regents for fear of 'financial harm' to the university.

"The Naming and Symbols Task Force was formed in the fall of 2020 to collect community input and provide recommendations for the president based on their research, as stated in its findings report.

"The task force was composed of nine faculty members, one Board of Regents member and one WKU student. Members signed non-disclosure agreements which largely prevent members from repeating discussions from within meetings, the Bowling Green Daily News reported in July.

"Saundra Ardrey, an associate professor and co-chair of the former Naming and Symbols Task Force, declined to comment about the discrepancy between the group's recommendations and Caboni's final decisions.

"'We made recommendations based on that research and on community input,' Ardrey said in an email. 'The Task Force fully supports the president's efforts to provide a diverse and inclusive environment for all constituents of the university.'"

But questions about task force discussion of public business behind closed doors remain.