FARGO, N.D. (AP) _ The former top lawyer for North Dakota's University System says he was forced out after clashes with Chancellor Hamid Shirvani over alleged open meetings violations.
Pat Seaworth says Shirvani repeatedly instructed Board of Higher Education staff to circumvent open meetings laws. Seaworth says he resigned under pressure last November after more than 20 years as a lawyer for the university system.
Shirvani has come under fire for his leadership style. The state Senate has approved a measure that would provide money to buy out his contract. The Board of Higher Education has scheduled a special Thursday meeting to discuss allegations about illegal meetings.
A spokeswoman says that Shirvani and the board ``have always strived to operate in full compliance with the law.''
