August 28, 2026
Saint Augustine’s University is off the hook for covering legal costs for former board members. But the reprieve may be temporary.
The university, which has lost accreditation and is not offering classes this fall, is currently working through bankruptcy proceedings. As part of that process, a bankruptcy judge temporarily halted litigation against two former trustees while the court determines whether SAU is obligated to cover their legal costs, as outlined in university bylaws, and answers outstanding questions about who is responsible for covering their defense.
Former SAU President Christine McPhail filed a lawsuit against the university and two trustees, James Perry and Brian Boulware—both of whom have since left the board—alleging that she was subjected to gender-based discrimination and a hostile work environment before she was fired in 2023. McPhail died in early 2026, but her estate is moving forward with the case.
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