The lawsuit claims that the church violated the college bylaws in doing so, according to documents filed at the Abbeville County Clerk of Court’s office.
Circuit Judge Eugene C. Griffeth issued a temporary restraining order in response to Erskine’s pleading, halting the Greenville-based Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church from taking any action with the interim board it appointed to replace the ousted trustees.
A hearing is scheduled March 19 at the Newberry County Courthouse.
Erskine spokesman Rick Hendricks issued the following statement: “A court action has been filed by the Chairman of the Erskine College and Seminary Board of Trustees in response to recent governance changes made by the ARP General Synod. The Administration does not know what the outcome of this action will be, but will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of Erskine and will work diligently to ensure students receive the quality educational experience for which Erskine is known.”
