LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — A judge in Laramie is considering a request on whether the University of Wyoming can continue to conduct its search for a new president in secret.

UW and its Board of Trustees asked District Judge Jeffrey Donnell on Wednesday to change his Jan. 23 ruling that UW release the names of finalists.

The state Legislature this session fast-tracked a new law that changes Wyoming's open records and meetings law so that the selection of UW and state community college presidents can be closed to the public.

An attorney for media challenging the secret search argues the Legislature's action violates separation of powers because it would effectively overturn a court ruling. The attorney for UW disagreed, saying the case is pending and not final.

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