The University stated today that it would appeal a ruling by a federal court in Chicago that threatens the privacy of student records and federal education funds that the University receives, according to a University press release.

University attorneys filed a motion in U.S. District Court requesting a stay of a March 9 order by Judge Joan B. Gottschall, which mandates that the University provide student records sought by the Chicago Tribune in an Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, in spite of a federal privacy law protecting student records.

The motion seeks a stay of Judge Gottschall’s order pending the outcome of a review by a three-judge appellate panel.