MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama State University (ASU) has filed a lawsuit against Forensic Strategic Solutions (FSS), claiming that its report was “false and misleading.”
Gov. Robert Bentley hired the forensic auditor to review the historically black university’s finances. ASU, which filed in California Court, said the report intended to interfere with its economic status, as the results have negatively influenced the university’s credit ratings, AL.com reports.
The report questions $2.5 million in payments by ASU and claims relatives of two trustees and a former trustee improperly received thousands of dollars from the school. Additionally, it alleges ASU tried to thwart the investigation, that the university lost more than $1 million due to mismanaging a Medicaid contract and other problems at the school requiring further investigation.
The lawsuit alludes to possible discrimination on FSS and Bentley’s parts alleging that ASU has been a victim of racism by the state of Alabama and the governor. Further, the suit claims the forensic auditor did not have the resources or expertise to audit a major university.
FSS has denied all claims in the lawsuit. For his part, Bentley says the lawsuit is a way for ASU to create a distraction. It is unclear how he will address the lawsuit, the Associated Press reports.
